National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir physically forced his way onto a navy ship last week, when he went there to film a controversial video of himself taunting Gaza flotilla participants, provoking an international uproar, according to a Sunday report.
Eyewitnesses told the Kan public broadcaster that the far-right minister arrived at the Ashdod naval base, where flotilla participants were being held after the navy intercepted their boats at sea.
The minister tried to board a ship where some of the detainees were gathered, sources told Kan, and first encountered the lieutenant colonel, who tried to block his path and asked him to wait until she obtained approval for his entry.
According to the sources, Ben Gvir physically pushed her aside and continued on his way.
Another officer arrived, a colonel, and likewise asked Ben Gvir to wait for approval. He allegedly approached the officer and yelled at him, “I will make sure you don’t advance in the army.”
Get The Times of Israel’s Daily Edition
by email and never miss our top stories
By signing up, you agree to the terms
The officer nonetheless pointed out that he was not authorized to allow entry without proper approval, but Ben Gvir continued to shout, moved him out of the way, and entered the boat, the eyewitnesses said.
A video released by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir showing detained flotilla activists at Ashdod Port on May 20, 2026. (Screenshot/Ben Gvir’s X account)
The report did not include a response from Ben Gvir to the allegations.
Ben Gvir filmed a controversial video at the base in which he could be seen taunting detainees, waving an Israeli flag, and telling them, “Welcome to Israel! We are in charge here!” Footage was shot on a ship and also in a holding facility on the base.
His action drew condemnation from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, and caused diplomatic tensions with Italy and France, which both summoned their respective Israeli envoys over the treatment of nationals who were among the detainees.
The Israel Defense Forces began stopping the flotilla around 167 miles (268 kilometers) from the Gaza coastline, according to the flotilla’s website. The vessels departed a week earlier from Marmaris, Turkey, which, along with Gaza-ruling Palestinian terrorist group Hamas, called the interdictions an act of “piracy.”
Israel has dismissed the flotilla as “a PR stunt at the service of Hamas.”
Organizers said they aimed to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza by delivering humanitarian assistance, something aid bodies say is still in short supply, despite a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in place since October 2025 that includes guarantees of increased aid. Israel has said that the flotillas generally carry only symbolic quantities of aid, and that they refuse to hand it over for overland transfer into Gaza.
Which gorgeous bird do you prefer?
THIS MONTH ONLY: Join our reader support group for as little as $6/month and receive an exclusive tote bag featuring one of Israel’s native birds.
Choose between the Duchifat (orange), Israel’s national bird, or the Shaldag (blue), a beloved symbol of the Israeli landscape.
As a member of the Times of Israel Community, you’ll also enjoy:
An ad-free experience of our site and podcasts.
Exclusive access to award-winning films via DocuNation.
Weekly letters from founding editor David Horovitz.
Join ToI Community & claim my bag
Already a member? Sign in to stop seeing this
You’re a dedicated reader
That’s why we started the Times of Israel – to provide discerning readers like you with must-read coverage of Israel and the Jewish world.
So now we have a request. Unlike other news outlets, we haven’t put up a paywall. But as the journalism we do is costly, we invite readers for whom The Times of Israel has become important to help support our work by joining The Times of Israel Community.
For as little as $6 a month you can help support our quality journalism while enjoying The Times of Israel AD-FREE, as well as accessing exclusive content available only to Times of Israel Community members.
Thank you,
David Horovitz, Founding Editor of The Times of Israel
Already a member? Sign in to stop seeing this