Foreign Office summons top Israeli diplomat after Benjamin Netanyahu's security minister taunted detained Gaza flotilla activists

WATCH NOW: Sophie Reaper attends the pro-Palestine March

|

GB NEWS

Susanna Siddell

By Susanna Siddell


Published: 21/05/2026

- 11:26

Updated: 21/05/2026

- 12:38

The video footage drew rare criticism from Benjamin Netanyahu

The Foreign Office has summoned a top Israeli diplomat after Benjamin Netanyahu's security minister taunted detained Gaza flotilla activists.

The Israeli charge d’affaires was called to the British Government after the "inflammatory" footage of the detainees was shared by Itamar Ben-Gvir.


More than 400 activists, including 15 British nationals, were arrested at a port in southern Israel after the Israeli navy intercepted the flotilla.

The Global Sumud Flotilla is a major humanitarian mission sailing to Gaza to deliver aid to those in need.

The Israeli minister sparked international outcry after he posted a video on social media with activists on the deck of a boat, kneeling with their hands tied behind their backs and their heads on the floor.

One protester could be seen being dragged to the ground by her hair.

"That's how we welcome the terrorism supporters," the minister captured the video. "Welcome to Israel."

A spokesman for the department confirmed the diplomat, Daniela Grudsky Ekstein, had been summoned this morning as the most senior Israeli diplomat in the UK.

Security minister taunted detained Gaza flotilla activists

Security minister taunted detained Gaza flotilla activists in a shocking video shared online

|

X

The Foreign Office said: "The summoning reflects the UK’s strong condemnation of his conduct in taunting those involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla.

"This behaviour violates the most basic standards of respect and dignity for people."

The Office's spokesman added that they were "deeply concerned" over the detention conditions which were depicted and have confirmed they have "demanded an explanation" from Israeli authorities.

He continued: "We made clear their obligations to protect the rights of all those involved.

I\u200bsrael's National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir

Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir sparked international fury

|

GETTY

"The flotilla’s attempt to deliver aid underlines the severity of the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Israel must ensure significantly more aid can enter safely and at scale through land routes.

"We are in contact with the families of a number of British nationals involved and stand ready to provide consular support at any time."

Yesterday, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper declared she was "truly appalled" by the minister's video.

The shocking footage triggered a rare rebuke from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who said the video was "not in line with Israel's values and norms".

The UK previously sanctioned Mr Ben-Gvir along with finance minister Bezalel Smotrich back in June 2025, citing the pair's "repeated incitement of violence against Palestinian civilians".

On Monday, Israeli forces began to intercept the aid mission in international waters, despite the country not having any jurisdiction there.

Earlier today, Poland's foreign minister urged his department to forbid Mr Ben-Gvir from entering the European nation.

"Minister (Radoslaw) Sikorski decided to ask the interior ministry to issue a ban on Minister Ben-Gvir entering the Republic of Poland due to his actions," ⁠a ministry spokesman said.