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Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom reported that Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has prepared a plan to punish participants in the Freedom Flotilla. The flotilla is intended to break the blockade of Gaza. Organizers announced Monday that travel to Gaza was delayed due to strong Mediterranean winds.
Ben-Gvir is expected to present his plan during a discussion with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
According to the newspaper, the plan includes the immediate confiscation of ships participating in the blockade-breaking mission and transferring them to the ownership of the Israeli police.
The report adds that this time, Ben-Gvir will urge Netanyahu to move beyond mild detentions and aerial deportations, pushing instead for a deterrent strategy.
The plan also includes imprisoning activists under conditions similar to those of security detainees in Ketziot and Damon prisons for an extended period, with no access to television or radio, no high-quality meals, and prolonged custody rather than just overnight detention.
The foundation for custody in these conditions, it was stated during the meeting, is their arrival to violate a restricted military area, plus creating documentation on each individual using photographs with terrorists and links to terrorist groups.
Individuals near Ben-Gvir additionally stated that if his strategy gets approved this time, "We must eliminate their appetite for another attempt."
The Global Sumud Flotilla, named after the Arabic word for “steadfastness,” consists of about 20 boats carrying more than 300 participants, including doctors, journalists, and campaigners. The convoy will sail across the Mediterranean, stopping in Italy, Greece, and Tunisia before attempting to reach Gaza.
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