Italian prosecutors put Israel's defence minister under investigation over detained flotilla activists

Suspected offences

• Torture
• Kidnapping
• Personal injury
• Robbery and damage

Rome prosecutors named Defence Minister Israel Katz and 12 senior military, police and prison officials as suspects, including military chief Eyal Zamir. The case concerns suspected torture, kidnapping, personal injury, robbery and damage.

Italian citizens who filed complaints

50 complainants

The probe follows complaints from 50 Italian citizens detained when Israeli forces intercepted two Global Sumud Flotilla missions bound for Gaza, in 2025 and 2026. It widens a case that had centred on National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

Activists on the second mission described beatings in the dark, tasers and rubber bullets, according to the prosecutors. They reported at least 15 cases of sexual assault, including rape.

What's next

Prosecutors sent Israel a request for judicial assistance in June and did not say whether it answered. Under Italian law, crimes committed abroad against Italian citizens can be prosecuted in Rome, and a trial could be requested if the charges are warranted.