![Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel, Gideon Sa’ar holds a speech at the Royal Palace in Naples on October 16, 2025. [Eliano Imperato - Anadolu Agency]](https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AA-20251016-39433335-39433334-CONFERENCE_ON_THE_MEDITERRANEAN_DIALOGUES_HOSTED_IN_NAPLES.jpg)
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar publicly criticised National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir over videos showing the mistreatment of activists from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, accusing him of deliberately damaging Israel’s international image. In a post on X responding to footage filmed in Ashdod, Sa’ar wrote: “You have deliberately damaged the state with this shameful display, and this is not the first time.” He added that Ben-Gvir had undermined the efforts of Israeli soldiers, diplomats and state employees, stating: “No, you are not the face of Israel.” The controversy followed the circulation of videos showing Ben-Gvir and security personnel confronting detained flotilla activists after one participant shouted “Free Palestine.” The footage showed activists being humiliated and forcibly restrained while under Israeli […]
