Italy Investigates Israeli Ministers for Torture of Flotilla Activists

Prosecutors in Rome have launched a criminal investigation into Israel Katz, the Israeli Defence Minister, and several other high-ranking officials for the alleged torture, kidnapping, and mistreatment of activists. The probe follows complaints from 50 Italian citizens detained during two Global Sumud Flotilla missions in late 2025 and early 2026 that attempted to break the naval blockade of Gaza.

Initially focused on National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, the investigation expanded to include Katz, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, and 12 other senior military, police, and prison officials. The suspects are accused of overseeing a regime of abuse that included beatings, death threats, the use of tasers and rubber bullets, and robbery. Most recent reports indicate the scope of the allegations has grown to include at least 15 cases of sexual assault, including rape.

The activists were intercepted in international waters near Crete and Cyprus after departing from Barcelona, Spain. Some were held at a makeshift prison in Ashdod, where Ben-Gvir was filmed mocking the detainees. Italian authorities have requested judicial assistance from Israel to establish individual responsibility and are coordinating with the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation as other European nations conduct similar probes.

Ben-Gvir has dismissed the investigation, while Katz and Zamir have not responded to requests for comment. Israeli authorities maintain that the naval blockade of Gaza is lawful.