Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir Faces International Condemnations Over Flotilla Detainees

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was recorded on camera with activists detained after Israeli forces stopped a flotilla in international waters. The activists had aimed to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. Reports indicated at least 15 of the detainees were subjected to sexual assault.

France banned Ben-Gvir from its territory. Italy, Canada, Spain, Ireland, Germany, and South Korea summoned Israeli ambassadors or issued formal condemnations.

Demolitions and Legislation Finance Minister Bezalel

Smotrich ordered advancement of demolition plans for the Bedouin village of Khan al-Ahmar. The Knesset Education Committee advanced a bill to create a heritage authority covering archaeological sites in the West Bank and Gaza. Israeli military officials said the bill's application to Gaza could be viewed as de facto annexation.

The committee's legal adviser stated the measure contradicts international agreements Israel has signed.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported more than 50 settler attacks resulting in casualties or property damage across the occupied West Bank in one week. This brought the 2026 total to 870 attacks in more than 220 communities.

Israeli forces demolished homes in Rantis and Ein el-Hilweh and confiscated vehicles and water tanks in firing zones in the Jordan Valley. In Silwan's al-Bustan neighborhood, three bulldozers began further demolitions on May 25.

At least 27 Palestinians were killed in Gaza over the past week, Al Jazeera reported.