Italy opens torture, kidnapping probe into Israeli minister

Italian prosecutors have opened an investigation into Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s far-right national security minister, over the treatment of activists detained during a Gaza-bound flotilla last month, a judicial source said on Monday, June 8.

The source, speaking on condition of anonymity to Reuters, confirmed earlier reports by Italian news agencies and said Ben-Gvir is being investigated on suspicion of torture and kidnapping of Italian citizens who were among the detained activists.

If investigators conclude there is sufficient evidence, prosecutors could file a formal request to bring the case to trial.

Responding to the probe, Ben-Gvir said in a statement: "I will not shy away from one investigation or another and will continue to stand proudly alongside our fighters."

Both Israel and Ben-Gvir have come under increasing international scrutiny following the release in late May of a video showing detained Gaza flotilla activists kneeling with their hands bound after Israeli forces intercepted the aid vessels in international waters.

Organisers of the flotilla said that 430 activists were detained by Israeli police, including citizens of Italy and South Korea.

In separate footage posted by Ben-Gvir on X, officers are seen forcing an activist to the ground after she chanted "Free, free Palestine".

The government of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the treatment of the detainees as "unacceptable" and summoned Israel’s ambassador for an explanation.

Italy subsequently called on the European Union to consider sanctions against Ben-Gvir, while France has decided to bar him from entering its territory.

Flotilla organisers said their mission was to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza by delivering humanitarian aid, which relief agencies say remains in short supply despite a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas brokered by the United States that has been in place since October 2025 and includes provisions for increased aid deliveries.

Israel maintains that its naval blockade of Gaza is lawful.

By Tamilla Hasanova