Italy includes Katz and senior Israeli officials in Gaza flotilla activists investigation

The Rome Public Prosecutor's office stated that the case involves allegations of torture, kidnapping, physical injury, theft, and other damages when Israeli forces intercepted two small flotillas of boats heading to Gaza in 2025 and 2026.

Investigators opened the probe after receiving complaints from 50 Italian citizens who were detained by Israeli authorities following two missions of the Global Resilience Flotilla from September to October 2025, and from April to May 2026.

Katz has not yet responded to a request for comment. In June, Ben-Gvir dismissed reports that his name had been included in the investigation, saying, "I will continue to stand proudly by our fighters."

Accusations of beatings and death threats

Prosecutors say that activists detained after the first flotilla mission reported being beaten, injured, receiving death threats and insults, and being accused of terrorism.

The statement added that activists who participated in the second mission reported even harsher treatment, including beatings in the dark and the use of electric tasers and rubber bullets.

Prosecutors said investigators have identified a number of individuals who form chains of command in the army and police who participated in these operations.

In addition to Katz and Ben-Gvir, prosecutors identified 12 senior Israeli army, police, and prison service officials on the list of suspects, including army chief Eyal Zamir.

Zamir has also not yet responded to a request for comment.

Prosecutors stated that they sent a request to Israel in June for judicial assistance, seeking information needed to establish the sequence of events and determine individual responsibility. They did not mention whether Israeli authorities had responded to it or not.

They said they also held talks with the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust) because similar investigations into the flotilla missions are underway in other European countries, without naming them.

Italian law allows for lawsuits to be filed in Rome for crimes committed abroad against Italians.

Being under investigation in Italy does not mean that a charge has been proven, nor does it necessarily lead to a trial. However, if the investigation concludes that there are grounds for charges, the prosecution may file a formal request for a trial.

Organizers of the Resilience Flotilla say they aim to break the blockade imposed by Israel on the Gaza Strip by delivering humanitarian aid, while Israel asserts that its naval blockade of the Strip is legal.