The Zionist Federation of Australia condemns the inflammatory and disgraceful behaviour displayed by Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir in relation to the detained Gaza flotilla activists.
Minister Ben-Gvir’s behaviour falls far below the standards expected of a Minister of the State of Israel. He has repeatedly embarrassed Israel through extremist rhetoric and performative conduct that undermines Israel’s international standing and weakens confidence in its leadership. We join the Israeli Prime Minister and Foreign Minister in condemning his actions. A person with this record of behaviour should not serve in the Israeli Government.
Criticism of Minister Ben-Gvir is not a defence of the flotilla. The flotilla was a deliberate provocation that sought to generate confrontation rather than contribute constructively to humanitarian outcomes. Israel was within its rights to prevent attempts to breach the maritime blockade of Gaza by a flotilla involving individuals sanctioned by the United States over alleged Hamas links and backed by organisations alleged to be operating on Hamas’ behalf.
ZFA President Jeremy Leibler said Minister Ben-Gvir does not represent mainstream Israeli society nor the views of the overwhelming majority of the Australian Jewish community.
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar were absolutely right to publicly condemn this behaviour. When Israel’s own senior leaders describe conduct as unacceptable and disgraceful, it demonstrates just how far outside acceptable standards it was,” Mr Leibler said.
“Minister Ben-Gvir’s behaviour handed Israel’s critics exactly the imagery and narrative they were seeking, while doing nothing to advance Israel’s security or diplomatic interests.”
ZFA CEO Alon Cassuto said supporters of Israel should be prepared to speak honestly when Israeli public figures damage the country’s reputation and national interests.
“Supporting Israel does not require defending every action of every minister,” Mr Cassuto said.