"From the Country of Boots to the Country of Slippers"... Israeli Minister's Remarks Anger Italy

Israeli Minister Mocks Gaza Activists

Rome Prosecutors Investigate; Considering Torture, Attempted Murder Charges

Ties Worsen Amid "Country of Slippers" Insult

Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's National Security Minister, who is under investigation by Italian authorities on charges of kidnapping activists from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, has sparked controversy by directing mocking criticism at Italy.

Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israeli National Security Minister. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

According to Yonhap News on June 10 (local time), citing Italy's ANSA news agency, "Minister Ben-Gvir, on June 8, referenced a news article about the Rome Prosecutor's Office launching an investigation and wrote on social media, 'The country of boots has become the country of slippers.'"

The "country of boots" refers to Italy, whose territory resembles a tall boot. The phrase "country of slippers" is interpreted as an attempt to emphasize that Italy, which has maintained friendly ties with Israel, has suddenly shifted to a hostile stance.

Italy responded immediately. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani criticized Minister Ben-Gvir's remarks in parliament the previous day, saying, "These are unacceptable words that we firmly reject," and added, "They are unbefitting of a minister's dignity." He continued, "Italy has always been a friend of Israel, defending freedom and democracy," and stated, "We reject any attempt to belittle or insult us."

Previously, on May 20, around 430 activists aboard an aid flotilla that departed near Türkiye to protest the maritime blockade of Gaza and deliver relief supplies were detained by the Israeli military. Afterwards, the far-right Minister Ben-Gvir released a video mocking the detained activists, leading several countries to summon their Israeli ambassadors in protest and triggering a diplomatic fallout.

The current investigation by the Rome Prosecutor's Office is underway at the Piazzale Clodio court. The investigation was prompted by complaints from activists, including Italian nationals. Prosecutors are reportedly considering charges not only of kidnapping related to arrests on the high seas, but also torture for the insults shared via video, attempted murder for dropping flares onto a boat, and violations of maritime law.

Minister Ben-Gvir caused controversy last month by posting a video mocking activists from Gaza Strip on his social media account. X

Italy, which had been a staunch ally of Israel since the launch of Giorgia Meloni's right-wing government in 2022, is now rapidly distancing itself from Israel over its actions in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. Recently, Italy has also called for European Union-level sanctions against Ben-Gvir.

Meanwhile, other European countries are also increasing pressure. France has launched an investigation into possible war crimes and torture related to the treatment of flotilla activists, including its own citizens, and has banned Minister Ben-Gvir from entering the country. Ireland also joined the sanctions on June 5, prohibiting entry to Minister Ben-Gvir and others, while Spain, Poland, and others are supporting EU-level sanction discussions.

The South Korean government has also publicly criticized Israel. President Lee Jaemyung, at a press conference marking his first year in office on June 8 at the Blue House State Guest House, stated that the Israeli military's seizure of the aid flotilla and detention of humanitarian activists amounted to "in effect, abduction on the high seas where freedom of navigation is guaranteed," and emphasized that national sovereignty, fundamental human rights, and agreed international norms must all be respected.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.