25 May 2026

In this article:

Livia Ottolenghi: "Unacceptable and serious." The UCEI strongly rejects Minister Ben Gvir's actions.

We are forwarding to all members the press release issued by the UCEI Presidency, with the Community Council fully endorsing its content.

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“Unacceptable and serious.” This was the comment made by UCEI President Livia Ottolenghi regarding the images released by Minister Itamar Ben Gvir of the treatment of Flotilla activists detained in Israel, including Italian citizens. This treatment has already been condemned by the Italian government, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.

The UCEI, which shares these criticisms, has repeatedly emphasized how the exploitation of the Flotilla’s actions has distorted its humanitarian mission. However, today’s events in no way justify the manner in which the Flotilla was opposed. Therefore, the UCEI firmly rejects Minister Ben Gvir’s actions in this instance: actions that harm Israel and its legitimate interests.

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