Italian prosecutors to probe Israeli minister Ben-Gvir over flotilla abuse

According to Al Jazeera, Genoa prosecutor Francesco Cozzi said the file's chain of responsibility has been extended to include Ben-Gvir following a weeks-long preliminary inquiry into the Israeli police and naval units involved in the raid. Two of the four vessels of the Sumud flotilla sail under the Italian flag, one under the Greek, one under the Turkish; 14 of the 32 crew detained in the raid are Italian citizens. The investigation rests on crew statements alleging "the use of violence against detainees during detention."

Ben-Gvir's press office said on social media that the raid was a "lawful and proportionate vessel-interception operation" and that Italy's jurisdiction might have been extended "out of political motivation." Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's spokesperson released a short statement underlining judicial independence; however, sources in Rome say the foreign ministry has sent a courtesy note about the process to Tel Aviv. A European Commission spokesperson said the Commission would assess the file if the investigation reaches dimensions "affecting EU-Israel Association Agreement obligations."

Meanwhile, the move — coming as the International Criminal Court in The Hague pursues proceedings on the Gaza file — is seen as a possible harbinger of a legal route through which similar files could be opened across EU countries. The flotilla organiser, Global Sumud Flotilla, said the investigation could form "a deterrent precedent against attempts targeting humanitarian-corridor advocates." The investigation's interview phase is expected to be completed within the next six weeks.