Greece has lodged a formal protest with Israel following controversial remarks by far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who demanded that the 470 activists of the “Global Sumud Flotilla” be imprisoned rather than deported. The activists were detained by the Israeli Navy on Wednesday while attempting to breach the naval blockade on Gaza.
In a recorded statement, Ben Gvir criticized the decision by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to deport the activists, calling it a “serious mistake.” He provocatively suggested that they should be kept behind bars for several months, saying:
“I believe they should stay here for a few months to get used to the smell of the terrorists’ wing.”
Ben Gvir further argued that the deportation policy creates a “vicious cycle,” claiming, “We send them back, and they keep coming again and again.”
His comments drew a strong reaction from Athens. Deputy Foreign Minister Alexandra Papadopoulou summoned the Israeli ambassador to formally express Greece’s deep concern and dissatisfaction over the tone and substance of Ben Gvir’s remarks.
Sources from the Greek Foreign Ministry indicated that an official statement will follow in strong terms, emphasizing Greece’s expectation that Israel uphold international law and respect for human rights.
According to Israel’s Foreign Ministry, four of the 470 detained activists have already been deported, while the remainder are awaiting repatriation to their home countries.
