Italy Targets Dozen IDF Officers in Flotilla Probe

Italian prosecutors placed a dozen Israeli military and police officials under formal investigation on October 16. The move widened an existing probe that focused primarily on the country’s interior minister. The new targets include high-ranking naval officers who have not been part of the International Criminal Court’s current proceedings.

The case involves claims of torture, kidnapping, and personal injury. These allegations stem from two flotilla missions that attempted to break the Gaza blockade. The first mission occurred between September and October 2025. The second took place between April and May 2026.

Rome prosecutors said the investigation opened after 50 Italian citizens filed complaints. These individuals were detained by Israeli authorities during the intercepts. Prosecutors stated that activists from the first group reported beatings, death threats, and insults. Those from the second group alleged beatings in the dark, rubber bullets, and tasers.

The expanded list of suspects includes former Navy Chief David Saar Salame and current Navy Chief Eyal Harel. It also names their top advisers Tal Politis and Guy Levy. Ashdod Naval Base Chief Eitan Paz and the Shayetet 13 Naval Commander are also targeted. The probe further implicates prison service officials under the command of Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

Israeli officials described the naval officers as apolitical and highly professional. They expressed confusion over why Italian prosecutors are targeting these specific individuals. Sources noted that the prison service has faced scrutiny in recent years due to Ben-Gvir’s leadership. However, no Israeli official believes the navy’s conduct was anything other than professional.

The case is being run by a local Italian prosecutor. Israeli sources described this prosecutor as acting independently of the federal government. They argued the prosecutor is using a universal jurisdiction law that Italy did not intend for allies. Some Italian officials may be using the case for domestic political gain without planning to see it through to trial.

Italy suspended some defense cooperation with Israel around the time of the flotillas. The two sides have also sparred publicly over the detention of activists in the West Bank. Despite this, Israeli officials view the criminal proceeding as at odds with general Italian government policy. Rome has not sought to inflame relations with Jerusalem.

Prosecutors sent Israel a request for judicial assistance in June. They sought information to reconstruct events and establish individual responsibility. Israeli authorities have not responded publicly. They may view the request as invalid unless endorsed by the federal government. Placing suspects under investigation does not imply guilt, but it allows prosecutors to add more names if evidence supports it.