Far-right Israeli minister condemned for taunting handcuffed Gaza flotilla activists

"It is intolerable that these protesters, among whom there are many Italian citizens, are subjected to this treatment, which violates human dignity."

— Giorgia Meloni , Politician

"We are deeply indignant and demand that French citizens be treated with respect and be set free without delay."

— Jean-Noël Barrot , Politician

"The video was deeply troubling and a matter we take very, very seriously."

— Anita Anand , Politician

"I am truly appalled by the video."

— Yvette Cooper , Politician

"Flotilla was stupid stunt, but Ben Gvir betrayed dignity of his nation."

— Mike Huckabee , Politician

"We see a big difference between the US and other Western countries… who see things like freedom of navigation in international waters as a fundamental concept of international law that should be respected, not to mention the mistreatment of civilians."

— Michael Omer-Man , Activist

"Israel knows that as long as it has the unconditional support of the US, it will face no real consequences."

— Annelle Sheline , Academic

"Uncivilized Flotilla treatment, lowest level by Ben Gvir"

— Sergio Mattarella , Politician

"'Red line crossed by Ben Gvir, we'll see what decisions to take'"

— Antonio Tajani , Politician

"Ben Gvir's conduct not in line with Israel's values"

— Benjamin Netanyahu , Politician

"'video goes against any protection of human dignity'"

— Antonio Tajani , Politician

"Release Italian Flotilla activists ASAP"

— Antonio Tajani , Politician

"The treatment was intolerable and constituted a violation of human dignity."

— Giorgia Meloni , Politician

"Welcome to Israel, we are the masters."

— Itamar Ben-Gvir , Politician

"Israel has every right to prevent provocative flotillas of Hamas terrorist supporters from entering our territorial waters and reaching Gaza. However, the way that Minister Ben Gvir dealt with the flotilla activists is not in line with Israel’s values and norms."

— Benjamin Netanyahu , Politician

"You knowingly caused harm to our State in this disgraceful display — and not for the first time."

— Gideon Saar , Politician

"The disgusting images of Israel’s National Security Minister abusing detainees from the Gaza flotilla are not just bad optics."

— Mickey Gitzin , Activist