Italy names senior Israelis, Katz in probe over Gaza flotilla activists

Italian prosecutors have launched an investigation into Defense Minister Israel Katz, along with other senior military, police and prison officials, over allegations of torture and mistreatment of Gaza flotilla activists, according to a statement released on Friday. This expansion of the investigation targets a broader range of individuals following initial probes into suspected misconduct by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

The case revolves around the interception of small boats heading towards Gaza in 2025 and 2026, resulting in detainment of Italian citizens during two Global Sumud Flotilla missions. The probe was initiated after 50 Italian citizens lodged complaints about the alleged abuse they faced at the hands of Israeli authorities. Reports from activists detained after the first mission highlighted severe beatings, injuries, death threats, insults, and accusations of terrorism.

Those involved in the second mission alleged even more brutal treatment, such as beatings in the dark, the use of tasers and rubber bullets. The prosecutors identified various individuals who held positions within the military and police command structures responsible for these operations. In addition to Katz, Ben-Gvir, and 12 other senior Israeli officials, including military chief Eyal Zamir, have been named as suspects.

However, both Katz and Ben-Gvir have yet to respond to requests for comment. Prosecutors have already submitted a request to Israel for judicial assistance in June, requesting information necessary to reconstruct events and pinpoint individual responsibility. They also engaged in discussions with Eurojust, the European Union's judicial cooperation agency, as similar investigations were ongoing in other European nations.

Under Italian law, crimes committed abroad against Italian citizens can be prosecuted within Rome. The mere act of being under investigation does not equate to guilt or automatically result in a trial. However, should the probe deem charges appropriate, prosecutors may formally request a trial. Flotilla organizers argue that their mission aimed to breach Israel's blockade of Gaza by delivering humanitarian aid, while Israel maintains that its naval blockade on Gaza is lawful.