Netanyahu rebukes Israeli security minister after video shows degrading treatment of Gaza flotilla activists [View all]

Source: CBS/AP

Netanyahu rebukes Israeli security minister after video shows degrading treatment of Gaza flotilla activists

Updated on: May 20, 2026 / 1:36 PM EDT / CBS/AP

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a rare rebuke to his national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, after videos emerged online showing Ben-Gvir's treatment of pro-Palestinian flotilla activists.

The clip, posted by Ben-Gvir, shows him mocking activists as they're corralled in the custody of Israeli security personnel.

The far-right government minister, who has been sanctioned by U.S. allies for inciting violence against Palestinians, is seen in one clip that he posted walking among some of the approximately 430 detained Sumud Global Flotilla activists with police and soldiers. The government minister can be seen waving a large Israeli flag and tells some of the activists, "Welcome to Israel, we are the landlords."

One handcuffed activist seen in a video shouting "Free Palestine" as Ben-Gvir walks past is immediately pushed to the ground by security personnel.

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Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/netanyahu-rebukes-israeli-minister-after-video-shows-degrading-treatment-of-gaza-flotilla-activists/