Senior officials in Israel’s Foreign Ministry are expressing outrage after National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir circulated footage appearing to humiliate pro-Gaza flotilla activists, a move diplomats now say caused major international damage to Israel’s standing abroad.

According to a report aired late Wednesday night on Israel’s Channel 12, the Foreign Ministry distributed an urgent message to Israeli embassies and diplomatic missions worldwide describing Ben Gvir’s actions as a “global strategic terror attack.”

The internal communication reportedly instructed Israeli diplomats to circulate alternative images and official footage showing what the ministry described as Israel’s humane and respectful treatment of the activists aboard the flotilla.

Embassy staff were also told to emphasize Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s public distancing from Ben Gvir’s conduct in conversations with officials in the countries where they serve.

One Israel official, speaking anonymously, called Ben Gvir an “outright rodef.”

Diplomatic officials quoted in the Channel 12 report delivered especially blistering criticism of Ben Gvir, accusing him of undermining extensive diplomatic efforts carried out behind the scenes with allied nations.

“Ben Gvir effectively joined the flotilla activists. He is the captain of the ship — second only to Greta,” one senior source said, apparently referring to climate activist Greta Thunberg.

“The damage he caused is immeasurable. Today he destroyed intensive work conducted with our allies around the world. He handed real weapons to the worst of our enemies. The disgrace cannot be described,” the source added.

The controversy erupted after Ben Gvir publicized footage documenting the treatment of activists aboard the Gaza-bound flotilla, triggering international criticism and diplomatic discomfort.

Prime Minister Netanyahu later attempted to distance the government from Ben Gvir’s conduct while reaffirming Israel’s right to block flotillas attempting to reach Gaza.

“Israel has every right to prevent provocative flotillas of Hamas terror supporters from entering our territorial waters and reaching Gaza. However, the way Minister Ben Gvir behaved toward the flotilla activists does not align with the values and norms of the State of Israel,” Netanyahu said.

{Matzav.com}