The UK has summoned Israel’s most senior diplomat in Britain over an “inflammatory” video of detainees posted by the country’s security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir. The video shows activists from an aid flotilla attempting to breach Israel’s blockade of Gaza being taunted while detained.
Daniela Grudsky Ekstein, the Israeli charge d’affaires, was called to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on Thursday. The department said the move reflected the UK’s “strong condemnation of his conduct in taunting those involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla”, adding that “this behaviour violates the most basic standards of respect and dignity for people”.
The Government has expressed concern over the detention conditions depicted – what appeared to be a makeshift detention area at Ashdod – and has demanded an explanation from Israeli authorities. Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer told the Commons that consular staff are working to help British activists detained in Israel return home.
Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis also condemned the video, 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.”
More than 400 people, including British nationals and the sister of the President of Ireland, were detained after the flotilla attempt. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said she was “truly appalled” by the footage, which showed activists with hands tied and kneeling. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also rebuked the video, saying it was “not in line with Israel’s values”.
