Italy widens flotilla torture probe to include Israeli defence minister, others

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz and senior military, police ​and prison officials have been placed under investigation in Italy over the treatment of Gaza flotilla ‌activists, Italian prosecutors said on Friday. The move expands an investigation that was previously focused on Israel's far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir. The case concerns suspected torture, kidnapping, personal injury, robbery and damage when Israeli forces intercepted small fleets of ​boats headed towards Gaza in 2025 and 2026, the Rome prosecutors' office said in a ​statement. Investigators opened the probe after complaints from 50 Italian citizens who were detained ⁠by Israeli authorities following two Global Sumud Flotilla missions in September to October 2025 and April ​to May 2026. Prosecutors said activists detained after the first mission had reported beatings, injuries, death threats, insults and accusations of terrorism. Activists involved in the ​second mission reported even harsher treatment, including beatings in the dark, the use of tasers and ​rubber bullets, the statement said. Under ​Italian law, crimes ⁠committed abroad against Italian citizens can be prosecuted in Rome. Under ​Italian law, crimes ⁠committed abroad against Italian citizens can be prosecuted in Rome. (AFP)