Israeli Security Minister Sparks Diplomatic Crisis Over Flotilla Activist Abuse Video
US envoy to Israel slams Ben-Gvir’s ‘despicable actions’ in video of flotilla activists
The day so far has seen a diplomatic crisis unfold after Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, published footage of Israeli security forces abusing international activists who were detained as they tried to sail to Gaza with aid. The rapid and furious response from countries whose citizens were on board the boats, including the UK, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and Ireland, has led several nations to summon their Israeli diplomats over the appalling incident.
Ben-Gvir’s actions have been widely condemned by top government officials, including Benjamin Netanyahu, who criticized Ben-Gvir’s behavior as “not in line with Israel’s values and norms” and instructed the activists to be deported from Israel as soon as possible. Even US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, a staunch ally of Israel, described Ben-Gvir’s behavior as “despicable” and said the minister “betrayed the dignity of his nation.”
Iran-US Tensions Escalate Amid Peace Deal Uncertainty
Meanwhile, tensions between Iran and the United States have escalated amid uncertainty over a peace deal. US President Donald Trump has warned that he will not let Iran develop a nuclear weapon, stating, “We will not let Iran have a nuclear weapon. It’s very simple. We will not let that happen.” Trump’s comments came during his US Coast Guard Academy commencement address.
Trump had earlier told reporters that he was in no rush to end the war and that achieving the mission’s objectives was more important than setting a timeline for its conclusion. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of Iran’s parliament, has accused the US of “seeking a new round of war” as he vowed Tehran “will not bow down to force.”
US Marines Board Iranian Oil Tanker in Gulf of Oman
In a separate development, US Marines boarded an Iranian-flagged commercial oil tanker, M/T Celestial Sea, in the Gulf of Oman after suspecting it had violated a US blockade. The ship was headed toward an Iranian port when it was intercepted by US forces. After searching the vessel and directing its crew to alter course, US forces released the ship.
There has been no immediate comment from Iran on the incident.
Original Article: Outrage grows over treatment of Gaza flotilla activists; US boards Iranian oil tanker – Middle East crisis as it happened — The Guardian