Israeli embassy rejects flotilla abuse allegations

The Israeli embassy has “categorically” rejected claims that activists on the most recent Gaza flotilla were subjected to any abuse.

Claims emerged after the flotilla was intercepted last week that participants were subjected to physical abuse, torture and even sexual assault. Several dozen protesters – including two of the Australian flotilla activists – demonstrated at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday over the alleged mistreatment.

“Such claims are entirely baseless and are intended solely to advance the provocateurs’ smear campaign against Israel,” the embassy said in a statement on Tuesday.

“No real evidence was presented to support them.”

It added that participants pictured with injuries had appeared in other photos “looking very healthy”.

The embassy noted that this was the fourth such flotilla intended as a provocation, that several individuals associated with it were “well known agitators” with links to terror groups, and that inspections had revealed “no meaningful humanitarian cargo on board”.

“Rather than contributing to genuine humanitarian outcomes, the Gaza flotilla has undermined them and distracted from actual efforts to support civilians,” the embassy said.

Meanwhile, Australian Jewish leaders last week joined international condemnation of Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir after he posted a video taunting detained flotilla activists.

Ben Gvir filmed himself waving an Israeli flag and shouting “Welcome to Israel! We are in charge here!” at dozens of bound activists forced to kneel on the ground with their hands tied.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the images were “shocking and unacceptable”.

Israeli ambassador Hillel Newman told the ABC’s 7.30 program last Thursday there is “no big gap between Israel and Australia” on the incident because Israeli leaders have condemned Ben Gvir’s actions “from wall to wall”.

“It’s disgraceful. That’s not the approach of the government of Israel,” Newman said.

The Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC) said Ben Gvir’s conduct was “appalling, unacceptable and inflammatory”.

“Detainees simply should not be treated this way,” AIJAC executive director Colin Rubenstein said.

Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion said nothing could excuse Ben Gvir’s behaviour.

“The fact that the group had been engaged in an unlawful and provocative action that would benefit Hamas was the reason they were detained, but it does not in any way justify their mistreatment.”

Zionist Federation of Australia president Jeremy Leibler said Ben Gvir “does not represent mainstream Israeli society nor the views of the overwhelming majority of the Australian Jewish community”.

While condemning Ben Gvir’s conduct, the Australian Jewish leaders defended Israel’s right to intercept the flotilla.

Rubenstein said Israel was “fully justified, both legally and operationally, in intercepting vessels attempting to breach the naval blockade”.

“This latest flotilla was not a genuine humanitarian mission, but a dangerous and provocative political and media stunt,” Rubenstein said.

He noted the flotilla was linked to the Hamas-affiliated Turkish group IHH, which Israel designates as a terrorist organisation.

Australian Jewish Association CEO Robert Gregory lashed Wong for criticising Israel “while remaining notably quiet on other major international issues”.

“Ben Gvir’s actions were condemned across the political spectrum including by his coalition allies,” Gregory said.

“Rather than escalating rhetoric on isolated incidents, there is a need to focus on constructive engagement and on repairing the Australia–Israel relationship, which has deteriorated under the Albanese government.”