▲ Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's Minister of National Security
Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's Minister of National Security, who is under investigation by Italian authorities for the alleged kidnapping of activists from a Gaza aid flotilla, is facing controversy after unleashing a mocking attack on Italy.
According to Italy's ANSA news agency, Minister Ben-Gvir wrote on social media on June 8 (local time), citing an article about the Rome prosecutor's office launching an investigation, "The country of boots has become a country of slippers."
"The country of boots" is a nickname for Italy, derived from the shape of its territory.
The term "country of slippers" appears intended to highlight his claim that Italy, which had maintained friendly relations with Israel, has suddenly shifted to a hostile stance.
Italy reacted sharply to Minister Ben-Gvir's criticism.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani addressed the remarks in parliament on June 9, calling them "unacceptable" and criticizing them as "unbecoming of a government minister."
He added, "Italy is a friend of Israel that has defended freedom and democracy," and stated, "We reject any attempt to belittle us or any form of insult."
The controversy erupted after a video was released showing the far-right Minister Ben-Gvir mocking activists after approximately 430 people on an aid flotilla—which departed from near Turkey on May 20 to protest the maritime blockade of the Gaza Strip and deliver relief supplies—were arrested by the Israeli military.
It is reported that the Rome prosecutor's office is considering applying charges of torture and sexual violence in addition to the kidnapping allegations against Israel.
(Photo: Getty Images)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.