Italian prosecutors have expanded an investigation into alleged abuses against activists aboard Gaza-bound flotillas, naming Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and several senior military, police and prison officials as suspects.
The investigation concerns allegations of torture, kidnapping, physical injury, robbery and property damage during the interception of boats attempting to reach Gaza in 2025 and 2026, according to a statement from the Rome prosecutors’ office.
The inquiry was launched following complaints by 50 Italian citizens who were detained by Israeli authorities after participating in two Global Sumud Flotilla missions, held between September and October 2025 and between April and May 2026.
Katz did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
In June, Ben-Gvir dismissed reports that he was under investigation, saying he would “continue to stand proudly alongside our fighters”.
According to prosecutors, activists detained following the first flotilla mission reported beatings, injuries, death threats, insults and accusations of terrorism.
Participants in the second mission described more severe treatment, including beatings in the dark, the alleged use of tasers and rubber bullets, the prosecutors’ statement said.
Investigators have identified individuals within the military and police chains of command who were involved in the operations, prosecutors said.
In addition to Katz and Ben-Gvir, 12 senior Israeli military, police and prison officials were named as suspects. Those identified include Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir.
Zamir did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Prosecutors said they had sent Israel a request for judicial assistance in June, seeking information to reconstruct the events and determine individual responsibility. They did not disclose whether Israeli authorities had responded.
The prosecutors’ office also said it had held discussions with Eurojust, the European Union’s agency for criminal justice cooperation, because similar investigations into the two flotilla missions were under way in other European countries that were not identified.
Under Italian law, crimes committed abroad against Italian citizens may be prosecuted in Rome.
Being named as a suspect in an Italian investigation does not establish guilt or automatically lead to a trial. If prosecutors conclude that the evidence warrants further action, they may submit a formal request for a trial.
Flotilla organisers say their missions aimed to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza by delivering humanitarian assistance. Israel maintains that its naval blockade of the territory is lawful.
