Israeli minister's taunting of activists no surprise to those following his career
Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's national security minister, has faced backlash for taunting activists detained by the Israeli military. His actions have drawn condemnation from both foreign governments and members of his own administration. This behavior aligns with his controversial history and has raised concerns about the implications for Israel's treatment of detainees.
- ▪Ben-Gvir's video taunting activists has prompted international condemnation.
- ▪The Israeli government has labeled the activists as 'provocateurs' attempting to breach the maritime blockade of Gaza.
- ▪Ben-Gvir has a history of controversial actions, including advocating for the death penalty for Palestinians.
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analysisIsraeli minister's taunting of activists no surprise to those following his careerBy Middle East correspondent Matthew DoranTopic:Foreign AffairsThu 21 May 2026 at 2:35pmThu 21 May 2026 at 2:35pmThu 21 May 2026 at 2:35pmItamar Ben-Gvir's video has prompted backlash from foreign governments, and his own. (Supplied: Office Of Itamar Ben Gvir/Handout)abc.net.au/news/israel-ben-gvir-condemnation-of-flotilla-activists-treatment/106705168Link copiedShareShare articleSince the start of this week, the Israeli government has used every one of its platforms to denounce the activists on board the Global Sumud Flotilla as "provocateurs" engaging in a stunt, as they tried and failed to break its almost two-decade-long maritime blockade of Gaza.It's somewhat ironic that a stunt from within its…
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