Italy’s foreign minister on Tuesday condemned “unacceptable” remarks by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who lashed out at Rome after learning he was under investigation over the treatment of activists detained during the seizure of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla.
Ben-Gvir wrote on social media that Italy, commonly known as “the Boot” because of its shape, had become “the land of flip-flops.”
In a separate statement, he said: “I will not shy away from one investigation or another and will continue to stand proudly alongside our fighters.”
“These are unacceptable words, unworthy of a minister,” Italy’s Antonio Tajani said, referring to comments made by the far-right Israeli minister. “Italy is a friend of Israel that has always defended freedom and democracy,” Tajani added, saying Ben-Gvir’s words “demonstrate the moral standing of this gentleman.”
Rome prosecutors have launched an investigation into Ben-Gvir in connection with the treatment of Italian nationals detained during the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla in May, according to Italian media reports.
The probe is part of a broader investigation that has been under way for several weeks into Israeli authorities’ boarding of the vessels carrying activists, including Italian nationals, with prosecutors examining allegations of torture and kidnapping.
