Israel’s most senior diplomat in UK summoned over ‘inflammatory’ video
Israel’s top diplomat in the UK has been summoned over a video released by the country’s security minister mocking detainees in the aid fleet.
Israeli police on Wednesday forced detained activists in a Gaza-bound flotilla to kneel on the ground in rows, with their hands tied behind their backs, in front of a minister.
Israeli police minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted a video on social media platform X showing police officers forcing a detained activist to the ground after chanting “Free, free Palestine.”
In the background, soldiers armed with long guns can be seen patrolling the area from a military ship.
“They came like great heroes,” Mr. Ben Gvir says in the video, as he walks past activists holding a large Israeli flag. “Now look at them. Look how they look now, they’re not heroes or anything.”
The video drew criticism from foreign leaders and even from within the Israeli government.
Daniela Grudsky Ekstein is the most senior Israeli diplomat in the UK, as there is currently no ambassador.
A Foreign Office spokesman said: “Following the provocative video published by Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, the UK today summoned Israeli chargé d’affaires to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
“This call reflects the UK’s strong condemnation of his behavior in mocking those involved in the Global Sumud Fleet. This behavior breaches the most basic standards of respect and dignity for people.”
“We are also deeply concerned about the detention conditions depicted and have demanded an explanation from the Israeli authorities. We have made clear their obligation to protect the rights of all involved.
“The flotilla’s attempt to deliver aid underscores the seriousness of the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Israel must ensure that significantly more aid can enter safely and on a large scale via land routes.
“We are in contact with the families of some of the British nationals concerned and stand ready to provide consular support at any time.”
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said on Wednesday she was “truly appalled” by the video and that it “breached the most basic standards of respect and dignity for how people should be treated.”
The statement added: “We demanded an explanation from the Israeli authorities and made clear their obligation to protect the rights of our citizens and everyone concerned.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said, “It is unacceptable that these protesters, including many Italian citizens, are subjected to this treatment that disregards human dignity.”
The flotilla, which set out from southern Türkiye, represented a renewed attempt to deliver vital aid to war-torn Gaza. Organizers said there were 430 people on the ship, including citizens of Italy and South Korea.
Organizers have stated that their goal is to break Israel’s ongoing blockade of the region (which Israel claims is completely legal) by providing humanitarian aid.
Despite a US-brokered ceasefire that has been in place since October 2025 and includes guarantees for increased aid, aid workers continue to report severe shortages.
Foreign minister Gideon Saar accused Mr. Ben Gvir of harming Israel, writing about X: “You have frustrated the tremendous, professional and successful efforts made by so many people, from IDF soldiers to foreign ministry staff and many others.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Israel’s right to intervene in the flotilla but said Mr. Ben Gvir’s treatment of activists was “not in line with Israeli values and norms.”
Netanyahu said he ordered the activists to be deported as soon as possible.
