Italy investigates Israeli defense minister over alleged torture of Gaza flotilla activists

Italian prosecutors in Rome have placed Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, military chief Eyal Zamir, and 12 other officials under investigation over the alleged torture, physical abuse, and sexual assault of activists detained during Gaza flotilla interceptions in 2025 and 2026. Prompted by complaints from 50 Italian citizens, the probe expands on prior scrutiny of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Rome authorities have sought judicial assistance from Israel and coordinated through Eurojust alongside parallel European probes.

Scope of the Italian investigation

• ▪The Italian probe into Gaza flotilla activists' treatment expanded an existing investigation previously focused on Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir
• ▪The Italian investigation against Israeli officials includes charges of suspected torture, kidnapping, personal injury, robbery, and property damage
• ▪Rome prosecutors placed 12 senior Israeli military, police, and prison officials under investigation alongside Israel Katz and Itamar Ben-Gvir
• ▪Italian prosecutors in Rome placed Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and military chief Eyal Zamir under investigation on October 16, 2026 over alleged abuse of Gaza flotilla activists

Origin and legal grounds of probe

• ▪Under Italian law, crimes committed abroad against Italian citizens can be prosecuted by authorities in Rome
• ▪Italian authorities opened an investigation into the treatment of Gaza flotilla activists following complaints from 50 Italian citizens who were detained on Gaza-bound solidarity boats in 2025 and 2026

Allegations of abuse against activists

• ▪Rome prosecutors stated that activists detained during the first Global Sumud Flotilla mission in 2025 reported beatings, injuries, death threats, insults, and accusations of terrorism
• ▪Italian economist Luca Poggi reported to Reuters that detained activists were stripped, thrown to the ground, and kicked by Israeli forces
• ▪Gaza flotilla activists reported at least 15 cases of sexual assault, including rape, during their detention by Israeli forces
• ▪Rome prosecutors stated that activists detained during the second Global Sumud Flotilla mission in 2026 reported beatings in the dark and the use of tasers and rubber bullets by Israeli forces

International cooperation by Italian prosecutors

• ▪Italian prosecutors sent a request for judicial assistance to Israel in June 2026 seeking information to reconstruct events during Gaza flotilla interceptions and establish individual responsibility
• ▪Rome prosecutors held talks with the European Union judicial cooperation agency Eurojust because similar investigations into the Gaza flotilla missions were underway in other European countries

Responses from Israeli officials

• ▪Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and military chief Eyal Zamir did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the Italian investigation into Gaza flotilla activists' treatment
• ▪Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir dismissed Rome prosecutors' investigation into Gaza flotilla activists' treatment in June 2026, stating he would continue to stand alongside Israeli soldiers

Flotilla missions to Gaza

• ▪The second Global Sumud Flotilla departed Barcelona in April 2026, and Israeli forces intercepted vessels near Crete and Cyprus between April 30 and May 19, 2026, detaining about 430 people on 50 ships
• ▪Global Sumud Flotilla organizers stated their aim was to break Israel's naval blockade of Gaza by delivering humanitarian assistance
• ▪The first Global Sumud Flotilla departed Barcelona in September 2025 with 42 boats and 462 activists before Israeli forces intercepted it in international waters in early October 2025