Italy Slams 'Unacceptable' Ben-Gvir Remarks
"These are unacceptable words, unworthy of a minister," Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said of Ben-Gvir's remarks. "Italy is a friend of Israel that has always defended freedom and democracy," Tajani added, saying Ben-Gvir's words "demonstrate the moral standing of this gentleman."
Rome prosecutors have opened an investigation into Ben-Gvir in connection with the treatment of Italian nationals held during the flotilla's seizure, according to Italian media reports. The probe forms part of a broader inquiry — underway for several weeks — into Israeli authorities' boarding of the activists, with prosecutors examining allegations encompassing torture and kidnapping.
Ben-Gvir was placed under investigation following a video he posted on social media after the activists' detention last month, according to an Italian news agency. In response to the accusations, Ben-Gvir took to social media to mock Italy — colloquially known as "the Boot" for its distinctive shape — calling it "the land of flip-flops."
In a separate statement, he said: "I will not shy away from one investigation or another and will continue to stand proudly alongside our fighters."
The Israel Prison Service has denied activists' allegations of abuse during their detention.
The case has reverberated across Europe. Italy becomes the second European country to launch a formal inquiry into Israel's handling of the detained activists, following France, which opened its own probe last week into allegations including war crimes and torture.
Meanwhile, the European Union is weighing whether to impose targeted sanctions on Ben-Gvir amid mounting fury over Israel's treatment of the activists and an escalating wave of violence in the occupied West Bank — with a decision expected as early as next Monday.
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