The United Kingdom has summoned Israel’s most senior diplomat in London over an 'inflammatory' video posted by the country’s security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, showing detained activists being taunted.
The Israeli charge d’affaires, Daniela Grudsky Ekstein, was called to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on Thursday. The department stated that the move reflected Britain’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 Foreign Office said in a statement.
Mrs Grudsky Ekstein is currently the highest-ranking Israeli diplomat in the UK, as no ambassador is presently in place.
The UK government has also voiced concerns over the detention conditions shown in the footage, which appeared to be a makeshift facility at Ashdod on Israel’s coast, and has demanded an explanation from Israeli authorities.
Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis added his voice to the condemnation, posting online: 'I have rarely seen the Jewish world so united in revulsion than in its response to this shameful display. Such conduct is the very antithesis of our core Jewish values and an awful Chillul Hashem (desecration of God’s name).'
The Foreign Office is in contact with the families of several British activists detained in Israel and is ready to provide consular support.
More than 400 people, including a number of British nationals and Catherine Connolly, the sister of the president of Ireland, have been detained after the attempt organised by the Global Sumud Flotilla. A similar bid by activists in 2025 also ended with Israel intercepting the vessels and detaining participants.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper on Wednesday said she was 'truly appalled' by the footage released by Mr Ben-Gvir, which showed some activists with their hands tied behind their backs and kneeling with their heads touching the floor.
The videos also drew a rebuke from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said the conduct was 'not in line with Israel’s values and norms.'
The UK sanctioned Mr Ben-Gvir and his fellow minister Bezalel Smotrich in June 2025 over their 'repeated incitement of violence against Palestinian civilians.'
