Ben-Gvir defended deterrence after Sa’ar and Netanyahu condemned detention footage that sparked European diplomatic backlash.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir sharply attacked Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar from the Knesset podium after Sa’ar criticized his confrontation with detained pro-Palestinian flotilla activists and the publication of footage from the encounter.
Ben-Gvir accused Sa’ar of showing weakness and claimed that Israel must stop apologizing when facing hostile activists and terror supporters. He argued that the flotilla participants did not arrive for humanitarian purposes, but to challenge Israel, support Hamas, and undermine the country’s security.
The minister said Sa’ar was focused on international images, while he was focused on deterrence and the safety of Israeli citizens. He defended the police officers and Israel Prison Service staff who handled the detainees, insisting that anyone threatening Israeli fighters would be restrained and that Israel must no longer behave like a diplomatic punching bag.
Sa’ar responded furiously, accusing Ben-Gvir of damaging Israel’s national interests and undermining the professional work of the IDF, Foreign Ministry, and security establishment. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also criticized Ben-Gvir’s conduct, saying Israel has every right to stop Hamas-supporting flotillas, but the handling of detainees must reflect Israel’s values and norms.
The incident triggered harsh diplomatic reactions from Europe, with several countries summoning Israeli ambassadors after the footage was released.
