Israel found itself on multiple fronts of political crisis on Wednesday. The most incendiary development centered on National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who published video footage showing detained pro-Palestinian flotilla activists bound, kneeling, and being taunted. The footage provoked international outrage and opened a rift within the Israeli government itself.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni — previously one of Israel’s strongest EU allies — summoned Israel’s ambassador in Rome and condemned the treatment of the detainees, including Italian citizens, as “unacceptable” and a violation of “human dignity.” Greece’s foreign ministry also denounced Ben Gvir’s conduct toward Greek nationals aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla as “unacceptable and condemnable.” Brazil’s O Globo ran the footage prominently, amplifying international disgust.
Despite the backlash from allies, Ben Gvir remained defiant, doubling down on his hardline rhetoric. Meanwhile, President Trump offered Netanyahu unconditional backing, telling reporters, “He’ll do whatever I want him to do.”
In a separate but equally momentous development, the Knesset approved — by a stunning 110-0 vote in a preliminary reading — a government bill to dissolve parliament and hold early elections. While the bill does not set a date, elections must take place within five months of final passage, meaning Israelis could go to the polls by late October. Ultra-Orthodox parties are reportedly pushing for a September date. The unanimous vote reflects a rare consensus that the current political arrangement has run its course.
