[70410] Diplomatic storm following Ben-Gvir video and deportation of flotilla activists to Gaza

Diplomatic tension and deportation of flotilla activists

The Spanish Foreign Ministry updated that 44 of the Gaza flotilla participants, who hold Spanish citizenship, will be deported from Israel back to Madrid via Turkey, according to reports on Abu Ali Express and News from the Field on Telegram. At the same time, it was reported on Israel News Without Censorship that the Polish Foreign Ministry summoned the Israeli ambassador for a clarification following the arrest of the Polish activists who participated in the flotilla, while issuing a travel warning to its citizens.

Parallel to the flotilla affair, Israel is dealing with a broad wave of ambassador summons for reprimand talks around the world. According to reports on ynet news and Political Arena, many countries including Poland, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Cyprus, and Austria expressed protest following a video published by Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The video was described on Israel News Without Censorship as a "humiliation video," which led to demands for apologies from those countries.

In the domestic arena, a poll published on Political Arena presents the current political situation, with the "Together" and Likud parties leading with 25 and 24 seats respectively. The News in Real Time channel expressed sharp criticism of the diplomatic conduct, claiming that it is "insane damage to Israel" that could encourage additional flotillas in the future.