7.30

Topic: Civil Unrest

Thursday, 21 May 2026, at 6:52 pm

Israel's ambassador to Australia, Hillel Newman, says Israel's leaders condemn Itamar Ben-Gvir's actions.

Israel's ambassador to Australia, Hillel Newman, did not apologize to the Global Sumud Flotilla activists detained in Israel.

Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's national security minister, was condemned by world leaders for a video where he taunted over 400 activists.

Mr. Newman said the Israeli government joined in condemning Mr. Ben-Gvir's actions.

The actions of Ben-Gvir have been condemned by everyone. The leadership of Israel has condemned what he did.

That's the approach of the government of Israel.

The prime minister and foreign minister of Israel have all thoroughly condemned Ben-Gvir's actions.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir reacts as flotilla activists are detained.

Federal government MP Julian Hill called for Mr. Ben-Gvir to be sacked.

To keep Ben-Gvir as a cabinet minister seems wrong.

If Prime Minister Netanyahu was serious about values and Israel's reputation, he'd sack him.

The ambassador said Israel is heading to the polls soon and he won't share political advice.

The law in Israel does not allow changing the government until after elections.

You can't change the government until we go to elections.

Denials of violence

Mr. Newman denied that anyone on the flotilla would have been hurt.

A screenshot from the video posted by Itamar Ben-Gvir.

There's been no sexual humiliation.

I completely refute that.

There's been no sexual attacks against the flotilla people.

Many accusations are untrue. The government of Israel intercepted the flotillas with great sensitivity.

No one was hurt. The interception was done smoothly.

Video from the flotilla's live stream showed Israeli troops firing at two boats.

Israeli vessels approaching the flotilla.

The type of ammunition fired was not clear.

At no point was live ammunition fired.

'Unnecessary provocation'

The Israeli ambassador said the flotilla itself was problematic.

The flotilla is a provocation which is unnecessary.

It's trying to break a legal blockade of Gaza, necessary for Israel's security.

Eleven Australians were among the hundreds detained from the flotilla.

A spokesperson for Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said the government wants to see all detained Australians released as soon as possible.

The Australian government is engaging with Israeli authorities on the welfare of detained Australians.

On 7.30, Mr. Newman was asked if Israel had given Australia any guarantees they would not be harmed.

All the people on the flotilla are in the process of being deported from Israel.

Watch 7.30, Mondays to Thursdays 7:30 pm on ABC iview and ABC TV

Contact 7.30

Do you know more about this story? Get in touch with 7.30 here.

Thursday, 21 May 2026, at 6:52 pm

Hörübung