Italian legal authorities have formally opened an investigation into Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, alongside 12 senior military, police, and prison officials, regarding the treatment of activists aboard humanitarian boats. This expansion of the probe, which previously focused on National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, follows allegations of severe misconduct during interceptions of Gaza-bound vessels in 2025 and 2026.
Prosecutors in Rome are examining claims of torture, kidnapping, physical injury, and robbery. The inquiry was initiated following complaints filed by 50 Italian nationals detained during two Global Sumud Flotilla missions. Among the named suspects in the widening probe is the Israeli military chief, Eyal Zamir. According to the Rome prosecutors’ office, On Friday that the case concerns suspected torture, kidnapping, personal injury, robbery and damage when Israeli forces intercepted small fleets of activist boats heading towards Gaza in.
According to the prosecutors’ statement, activists detained during the 2025 mission reported suffering from beatings, death threats, and verbal abuse while being branded with accusations of terrorism. Accounts from the 2026 mission described more severe incidents, including being beaten in the dark, the usage of tasers, and the deployment of rubber bullets. Detainees also reported at least 15 instances of sexual assault, including allegations of rape.
Reflecting on his detention, Italian economist Luca Poggi recounted in May: “We were stripped, thrown to the ground, kicked.” These testimonies highlight the mounting pressure on Israeli authorities as legal scrutiny intensifies across multiple European jurisdictions. In June, Ben-Gvir dismissed the investigation, asserting he would “continue to stand proudly alongside” Israeli soldiers.
The events in question stem from two major maritime efforts. The first mission departed Barcelona in September 2025 with 42 vessels and 462 participants, facing interception in international waters by October of that year. The second mission began in April 2026, with Israeli forces initiating interceptions near Crete on April 30. By May 19, roughly 430 individuals had been detained across 50 vessels in international waters, with final interceptions occurring near Cyprus. And by May 19 had detained about 430 people on some 50 ships in international waters, with the final interceptions taking place off Cyprus, israeli forces began intercepting its vessels near the southern Greek island of Crete on April 30.
Evidence provided to investigators also includes video footage posted by Ben-Gvir, which showed him mocking detainees who were kneeling with cable ties at a makeshift facility in the port of Ashdod while the Israeli national anthem played in the background.
While prosecutors requested judicial assistance from Israel in June to clarify event details and individual responsibilities, it remains unconfirmed whether Israeli authorities have provided a response. Rome is also coordinating with Eurojust, the European Union’s judicial cooperation agency, to align efforts with parallel investigations occurring elsewhere in Europe. According to prosecutors, They sent Israel a request for judicial assistance in June, seeking information to reconstruct events and establish individual responsibility, but did not say whether Israel had responded.
Under Italian jurisdiction, crimes committed against Italian citizens abroad can be subject to domestic prosecution. If the evidence gathered during this inquiry substantiates the allegations, Italian authorities may transition toward requesting a formal trial.
