Italian authorities have launched a criminal investigation into allegations of mistreatment of flotilla activists by Israeli forces, a probe that appears to involve a broader range of Israeli officials than the current International Criminal Court (ICC) inquiry related to Israel. The case, which expanded from initial scrutiny of the detention and treatment of activists during two flotilla attempts in 2025 and 2026, includes multiple Israeli government ministers and a significant number of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and prison service personnel.
The investigation, initiated by prosecutors in Rome, targets suspected wrongdoing during Israel’s interception of boats attempting to breach the blockade on Gaza. Activists argue they were attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, although Israel and international observers note the enclave has received substantial aid shipments—over 600 trucks daily following the October 2025 ceasefire, nearly triple the pre-war volume. Despite persistent infrastructure challenges, there is no indication of a food shortage in Gaza.
The ICC is known to be seeking the arrest of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, with additional possible indictments of other ministers and senior military officials, including Bezalel Smotrich, Itamar Ben-Gvir, Defense Minister Israel Katz, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, and former IDF Chief Herzi Halevi. However, the Italian inquiry encompasses a broader scope, extending beyond political leaders to include numerous IDF officers such as former Navy Chief David Saar Salame, current Navy Chief Eyal Harel, Ashdod Naval Base Chief Eitan Paz, and the commander of the Shayetet 13 Naval Commands, along with key advisers.
While none of the activists’ specific claims have been legally proven, Israeli officials acknowledge concerns that personnel under Ben-Gvir’s command, particularly police and prison guards, may have engaged in aggressive conduct. Nevertheless, the Israeli military’s conduct is widely regarded domestically as professional and above reproach, leading some Israeli sources to question the motives behind the Italian prosecutors’ focus on these military figures.
Officials familiar with the case suggest that the prosecutor responsible for the investigation is acting independently of the Italian federal government and is possibly using Italy’s universal jurisdiction laws in a manner unanticipated by national policymakers. These laws allow prosecution of foreign nationals for crimes against Italian citizens committed abroad. Israeli sources characterize the prosecutor as a “rogue” actor, interested in pursuing a politically charged agenda rather than reflecting official Italian government policy, which remains broadly supportive of Israel.
The probe intensified on October 16 when an official investigation was opened into multiple Israeli ministers, military officers, police, and prison officials; before then, it had primarily targeted Ben-Gvir. Allegations include torture, kidnapping, personal injury, robbery, and property damage related to the flotilla events. Complaints came from approximately 50 Italian citizens detained during the two flotilla attempts, with reports of beatings, threats, insults, and accusations of terrorism. While some tactics cited—such as the use of tasers and rubber bullets—are standard in law enforcement worldwide, others allege more severe mistreatment.
Rome prosecutors state they have requested judicial assistance from Israel since June to reconstruct the events and assign individual responsibility but have not confirmed if an Israeli response has been received. Israeli authorities have largely refrained from commenting publicly, possibly viewing the Italian inquiry as lacking legitimacy without endorsement from the Italian government or preferring diplomatic over procedural channels for engagement.
The investigation’s wide remit and the inclusion of highly regarded, apolitical IDF officers have prompted Israeli observers to see the case as highly politicized. They also note that criminal probes frequently broaden over time to encompass additional suspects, including those less directly connected. Under Italian law, being under investigation does not constitute guilt and does not guarantee trial; prosecutors would need to file formal charges for the case to proceed to court.