Ben-Gvir harassment of activists handed Israel's critics what they wanted

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's recent actions concerning a Gaza-bound flotilla have handed Israel's critics precisely the material they need to further damage the country's reputation. The minister's conduct, which included taunting detained activists, has been widely condemned both internationally and domestically.

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Look at them now. See how they look now, not heroes and not anything... Welcome to Israel! We own this place.

Videos shared by Ben-Gvir himself and by Israeli journalists showed him condoning and encouraging harsh treatment of activists. In one clip, officers are seen forcing a woman to the ground after she chanted "free, free Palestine." Another shows Ben-Gvir threatening activists, telling them, "Look at them now. See how they look now, not heroes and not anything... Welcome to Israel! We own this place."

The flotilla itself was designed as a provocation, aiming to generate images that would fuel accusations against Israel. Ben-Gvir's response, however, amplified this provocation, leading to immediate diplomatic backlash. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee stated Ben-Gvir had "betrayed the dignity" of Israel. Envoys were summoned in Italy, France, Canada, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

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Betrayed the dignity of Israel.

France has now banned Ben-Gvir from entering the country, with its foreign minister urging the rest of the European Union to follow suit. Even within Israel's government, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar issued a stark condemnation, calling Ben-Gvir's actions a "disgraceful display." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also rebuked the minister, a rare move that included statements in both Hebrew and English.

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Disgraceful display – and not for the first time.