The source, who asked not to be named, confirmed earlier reports by Italian news agencies and said Ben-Gvir was being investigated ​on suspicion of torture and kidnapping of Italian citizens who were ​among the activists.

If the probe determines charges are warranted, prosecutors ⁠could lodge a formal request for trial.

In response to the Italian ​investigation, Ben-Gvir said in a statement: “I will not shy away from one ​investigation or another and will continue to stand proudly alongside our fighters.”

Israel and Ben-Gvir have faced mounting international criticism after the minister, in late May, released a video showing ​detained Gaza activists kneeling with their hands bound after Israel intercepted the aid ​flotilla in international waters.

Organisers said the 430 activists detained by Israeli police included citizens of ‌Italy ⁠and South Korea.

In a video Ben-Gvir posted on X, officers forced an activist to the ground after she chanted “Free, free Palestine”.

The government of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the treatment of the activists “unacceptable” and summoned ​the Israeli ambassador ​for an ⁠explanation.

Italy subsequently asked the European Union to discuss sanctions against Ben-Gvir, while France has decided to ban Ben-Gvir from its ​territory.

Flotilla organisers say they aimed to break Israel’s blockade ​of Gaza ⁠by delivering humanitarian assistance, something aid bodies say is still in short supply despite a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in place since ⁠October ​2025 that includes guarantees of increased aid.

Israel ​says its naval blockade of Gaza is lawful.