Ben-Gvir taunting handcuffed flotilla activist. Social media
In a statement issued on Thursday, the observatory said the mistreatment of the activists reflected the continued practices of the Israeli government, adding that Ben-Gvir’s conduct was a clear embodiment of “systematic Zionist policies.”
It added that criticism voiced by some Israeli politicians amounted to little more than attempts to “save face” following the widespread circulation of the video and the international backlash it triggered.
The observatory was referring to footage published by Ben-Gvir on his X account showing detained flotilla activists at Ashdod Port blindfolded and handcuffed on the ground while he directed insulting remarks at them.
According to the statement, the incident demonstrated a “complete absence of humanity” and further highlighted what it described as the occupation authorities’ ongoing abuses against international solidarity activists.
The observatory said Netanyahu also ordered the rapid deportation of the activists in an attempt to reduce international criticism, particularly following what it described as the “piracy” of the flotilla vessels in international waters and the detention of around 428 participants from nearly 40 countries.
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