Israel faces diplomatic backlash over flotilla

Israel’s interception of a Gaza-bound flotilla this week has widened from a maritime seizure into a diplomatic dispute involving South Korea, Pakistan and several European governments. Video posted by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir showed activists kneeling with their hands bound at Ashdod port while he waved an Israeli flag and shouted at detainees, prompting criticism abroad and a rare rebuke from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung then publicly questioned the legality of Israel’s detention of Korean activists and referred to the International Criminal Court warrant for Netanyahu. By May 21, Seoul said two South Korean nationals had been released and deported without being sent to detention facilities. ### What did Ben-Gvir’s video show? Itamar Ben-Gvir posted the footage on May 20, according to Israeli and international media reports, showing dozens of flotilla activists at Ashdod port forced to kneel on the ground with their hands tied. The video showed Ben-Gvir waving a large Israeli flag, shouting “Welcome to Israel,” and moving through the holding area while Israel’s national anthem played over a loudspeaker. (timesofisrael.com) Benjamin Netanyahu publicly distanced himself from the scene. The Times of Israel reported that Netanyahu issued a rare rebuke, saying Ben-Gvir’s conduct did not reflect Israel’s values, after the clip drew condemnation over the treatment of foreign detainees. ### Who was on the flotilla, and how many people were detained? (timesofisrael.com) Israel’s Foreign Ministry said the flotilla involved about 50 boats and that more than 400 activists were taken to Israel after the operation. The ministry said the activists would be allowed to meet consular representatives and that Israel would continue enforcing what it called the lawful naval blockade on Gaza. (timesofisrael.com) Adalah, an Israeli rights group representing some detainees, said 430 activists were transferred to Israeli custody after Israeli forces boarded vessels in international waters. Adalah said some detainees had already arrived at Ashdod and described the seizure as a forcible transfer into Israeli territory against their will. (timesofisrael.com) ### Why did South Korea become central to the fallout? Lee Jae Myung said at a cabinet meeting on May 20 that South Korean citizens had been detained in international waters for reasons “not valid under international law.” Yonhap identified the South Korean activists as Kim Ah-hyun and Kim Dong-hyeon, and said Korean American activist Jonathan Victor Lee was also aboard one of the vessels. (timesofisrael.com) Lee went further than a consular protest. Yonhap reported that after aides confirmed the ICC had issued a warrant for Netanyahu in November 2024, Lee said that made Netanyahu “a war criminal” and added that Seoul should make its own judgment on the matter. Reuters, cited by other outlets, separately quoted Lee calling Israel’s conduct “way out of line.” (timesofisrael.com) ### Did Israel release the South Korean detainees? South Korea’s presidential office said on May 21 that Israel had released two South Korean nationals and deported them immediately without placing them in detention facilities. Senior presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said Seoul “welcomed” the release while also expressing “strong regret” over their detention. (en.yna.co.kr) The Korea Times and other South Korean outlets said the release followed Lee’s criticism, though officials in Seoul stopped short of saying his remarks were the sole reason. One official, quoted by Chosun, said it was difficult to conclude that Israel acted only because of the president’s comments. (koreatimes.co.kr) ### Which other governments responded? Pakistan joined nine other countries in a joint statement on May 19 condemning Israel’s actions against the Global Sumud Flotilla. The statement, carried by Pakistan’s state broadcaster, said the detention of activists and attacks on civilian vessels were violations of international law and called for the immediate release of all detainees. (koreatimes.co.kr) Italy and France also moved diplomatically after Ben-Gvir’s video circulated. The Times of Israel reported that both governments said they would summon Israeli ambassadors over the treatment of their citizens, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the footage “unacceptable.” (radio.gov.pk) ### What happens next? South Korea’s next formal steps will run through its presidential office and foreign ministry, which said they had provided consular assistance and diplomatic measures for the released nationals. Israel’s handling of the remaining detainees is likely to stay under scrutiny as foreign governments press for consular access and activists challenge the legality of the seizure. (koreatimes.co.kr) (timesofisrael.com)