ROME (Reuters) – Italian prosecutors put Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir under investigation over the ​treatment of activists who were part of a Gaza flotilla last ‌month, a judicial source said on Monday.
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The source, who asked not to be named, confirmed earlier reports by Italian news agencies and said Ben-Gvir was being investigated ​on suspicion of torture and kidnapping of Italian citizens who were ​among the activists.
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If the probe determines charges are warranted, prosecutors â could lodge a formal request for trial.
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In response to the Italian ​investigation, Ben-Gvir said in a statement: “I will not shy away from one ​investigation or another and will continue to stand proudly alongside our fighters.”
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Israel and Ben-Gvir have faced mounting international criticism after the minister in late May released a video showing ​detained Gaza activists kneeling with their hands bound after Israel intercepted the aid ​flotilla in international waters.
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Organisers said the 430 activists detained by Israeli police included citizens of ‌Italy â and South Korea.
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In a video Ben-Gvir posted on X, officers forced an activist to the ground after she chanted “Free, free Palestine”.
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The government of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the treatment of the activists “unacceptable” and summoned ​the Israeli ambassador ​for an â explanation.
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Italy subsequently asked the European Union to discuss sanctions against Ben-Gvir, while France has decided to ban Ben-Gvir from its ​territory.
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Flotilla organisers say they aimed to break Israel’s blockade ​of Gaza â by delivering humanitarian assistance, something aid bodies say is still in short supply despite a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in place since â October ​2025 that includes guarantees of increased aid.
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Israel ​says its naval blockade on Gaza is lawful.