Italian prosecutors have opened an investigation into Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir regarding the treatment of Italian citizens detained during the interception of an aid flotilla bound for Gaza, the ANSA news agency reported on June 8.
The Rome prosecutor's office placed Ben-Gvir under investigation in connection with a video he posted following last month's detention of activists. Italy becomes the second European country to launch a formal probe into Israel's treatment of the detained activists, after France opened an investigation into war crimes and torture on June 5.
Responding to the allegations, Ben-Gvir wrote on social media that Italy, often called 'the boot,' has become 'a land of fraud.' In a separate statement, he said: 'I will not evade any investigation and will continue to stand strong alongside our fighters.'
Italian and French prosecutors are reviewing the allegations to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to pursue criminal charges. The Israel Prison Service has rejected activists' claims of mistreatment.
The European Union has said it is considering imposing sanctions on Ben-Gvir amid growing outrage over Israel's treatment of activists, as well as escalating violence in the West Bank, which the far-right minister has enthusiastically encouraged.
Israel detained more than 400 activists on international waters off Cyprus last month during the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was attempting to break the blockade on Gaza. Citizens from over 40 countries were among those detained.
In footage recorded after the raid, Ben-Gvir is seen taunting prisoners as they knelt with hands tied behind their backs. French activists described the experience as 'extremely violent,' 'humiliating,' and 'inhumane.'
The EU is expected to decide next Monday whether to impose sanctions on Ben-Gvir over the treatment of activists. France has already banned the Israeli minister from entering the country, describing his behavior as 'unspeakable.'
