Israeli Foreign Minister lambasts Itamar Ben-Gvir for ‘disgraceful’ video mocking Gaza flotilla detainees

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has publicly lambasted far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir over what he described as a “disgraceful display” that damages Israel’s international standing after Ben-Gvir posted a video mocking detainees of a Gaza-bound flotilla.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also criticised his minister, posting on X: “The way that Minister Ben Gvir dealt with the flotilla activists is not in line with Israel’s values and norms.”

Ben-Gvir, who has served as Israel’s national security minister since 2022, shared footage on Wednesday showing himself confronting detained activists after Israeli forces intercepted boats attempting to reach Gaza.

In the video, activists appear kneeling and restrained while Ben-Gvir walks among them, sarcastically welcoming them to Israel and ridiculing their protest efforts. The post was accompanied by captions reading: “This is how we welcome supporters of terrorism” and “Welcome to Israel.”

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar addresses a press conference with his German counterpart at the Foreign Office in Berlin on May 5, 2026. (Photo by RALF HIRSCHBERGER / AFP via Getty Images)AFP via Getty Images

In a rare, strongly worded rebuke, Sa’ar reposted the video, saying: “You knowingly caused harm to our State in this disgraceful display – and not for the first time.
“You have undone tremendous, professional, and successful efforts made by so many people – from IDF soldiers to Foreign Ministry staff and many others.

“No, you are not the face of Israel.”

Sa’ar has held a variety of senior positions within the government since first entering politics in 2003, including education minister, interior minister, justice minister, and deputy prime minister. In November 2024, he was appointed foreign minister.

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

You have undone tremendous, professional, and successful efforts made by so many people - from IDF soldiers to Foreign Ministry staff and many others.

No, you are not the face of… https://t.co/KOj6fhpyM7
— Gideon Sa'ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) May 20, 2026

Ben-Gvir’s video also drew strong condemnation from other Israeli politicians from across the political spectrum and pro-Israel campaigners.

Online influencer Hen Mazzig condemned Ben-Gvir’s video, writing: “Every day I push back on the lie that Israelis are cruel. That we have no decent people. That we’re the villains the anti-Israel crowd says we are.

“Then you open your mouth, Ben-Gvir, and prove them right. The flotilla are useful idiots. You’re the gift they prayed for.”

As one of the most controversial figures in Israeli politics and a leading voice of the country’s far-right, Ben-Gvir leads the ultranationalist Jewish Power party (Otzma Yehudit) and has repeatedly sparked controversy through his inflammatory rhetoric and provocative actions.

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Topics:

Itamar Ben-Gvir

Gideon Saar

Gaza flotilla

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