Italy and Spain demand EU sanctions on Israeli minister over Gaza activist footage
The European Union faces renewed calls for action after footage emerged of Israel’s National Security Minister heckling Gaza-bound detainees, prompting a joint request from two key member states.
Italy and Spain have formally urged the European Union to impose sanctions on Israel’s National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, following the circulation of a video depicting the treatment of detained Gaza-bound activists. The diplomatic intervention marks a significant escalation in tensions between European capitals and the Israeli government, with Rome and Madrid seeking concrete punitive measures in response to the incident.
The footage in question shows Ben Gvir, who is identified as far-right, waving an Israeli flag while heckling activists who have been forced to their knees with their hands bound. The video has triggered a global outcry, drawing sharp criticism for the manner in which the detainees were handled and the minister’s conduct during the encounter.
In a statement reported by France 24, the two nations emphasized the need for the EU to address the behaviour of one of its partner nations' senior officials. The request underscores a growing divergence in policy approaches regarding the blockade of Gaza and the treatment of aid activists attempting to breach it.
The incident has also sparked internal political commentary within Israel. According to the original reporting, Ben Gvir has alleged that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has "lost control of the government," a claim that adds another layer of complexity to the diplomatic fallout. However, independent verification of this assertion remains unavailable in the current reporting.
France 24’s Sharon Gaffney interviewed Yossi Mekelberg, a senior consulting fellow at Chatham House, to provide context on the incident. The discussion highlighted the broader implications of the video for international relations and the potential for further diplomatic friction between the EU and Israel.
As of 21 May 2026, it remains unclear whether the European Union has initiated formal sanction proceedings or agreed to the joint request from Italy and Spain. The diplomatic push represents a significant test of EU cohesion and its willingness to enforce standards of conduct among member states' partners.
The situation continues to evolve as international observers monitor the response from Brussels and the Israeli government. The incident has reignited debates over the balance between security concerns and the treatment of detainees in conflict zones, with the video serving as a focal point for these discussions.
