South Korea's president says Israel crossed a line by detaining its citizens

On 20 May 2026, South Korea's president said Israel was 'way out of line' in detaining South Korean activists from the Gaza-bound flotilla. South Korea's president also asked officials to consider an arrest warrant for Netanyahu, Anadolu Agency reported.

A video posted by Israeli minister Itamar Ben Gvir showed him taunting handcuffed flotilla activists and drew condemnation from several governments. Italy's Meloni said it 'violates dignity', and Italy's foreign minister urged Israel to release the activists. Canada's Carney called Israel's treatment 'abominable', and the UK said it was 'truly appalled'. Greece and South Africa also condemned the treatment. US envoy Huckabee said Ben Gvir 'betrayed dignity of his nation'.