Australia rebukes Israeli minister who mocked activists
Australia has condemned as “shocking and unacceptable” the actions of an Israeli minister who released a video in which he berated pro-Palestinian activists, including Australians.
In a clip posted on social media and titled “Welcome to Israel”, Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir is seen swearing at activists who were detained after trying to sail to Gaza with assistance, with their hands tied behind their backs and their faces on the ground.
“They came with great pride, like great heroes. Look at them now. Look how they look now. Not heroes, but supporters of terrorism,” he says at one point, according to CNN’s translation.
More than 400 activists, including 11 Australians, were trying to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza when their boat was stopped off the coast of Türkiye by the Israel Defense Forces and they were boarded.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong had asked the Australian ambassador to complain to Israeli officials.
“The images we saw are shocking and unacceptable,” he said in a statement.
“We condemn the actions of Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir, which Australia approves, and the degrading actions of Israeli authorities towards those detained.”
Among those detained by Israel are 11 Australians from the Global Sumud Fleet.
Simon Jones, head of the squadron’s Australian delegation, said the federal government should appoint the Israeli ambassador to explain the minister’s actions or expel him from the country.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu scolded Mr. Ben-Gvir for his actions and said the activists would be deported as soon as possible.
“Israel has every right to prevent provocative fleets of Hamas-supporting terrorists from entering our territorial waters and reaching Gaza,” Netanyahu said in a statement.
“However, Minister Ben Gvir’s attitude towards the flotilla activists is not in line with Israeli values and norms.”
Israeli foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar also condemned his colleague, accusing him of frustrating the work of the IDF and foreign ministry staff.
“You knowingly harmed our State with this shameful demonstration, and this is not the first time this has happened,” he said.
“No, you are not the face of Israel.”
Other countries, including Italy, Britain, Türkiye, Greece and the United States, also criticized Mr. Ben-Gvir.
The American ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, called Mr. Ben-Gvir’s actions “despicable” and said he “betrayed the honor of his nation.”
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