Rome prosecutors name 12 IDF officers in expanded flotilla torture probe

Italian authorities placed 12 Israeli Defense Forces officers and multiple prison service employees under official investigation on October 16. This move expands a criminal probe into the treatment of flotilla activists beyond the high-profile government ministers already targeted by the International Criminal Court.

The Rome prosecutors' office opened the case after 50 Italian citizens filed complaints following two Global Sumud Flotilla missions in September to October 2025 and April to May 2026. The allegations include torture, kidnapping, personal injury, robbery, and property damage during the interception of boats headed to Gaza.

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. These additions place career military professionals under scrutiny alongside political figures like Itamar Ben-Gvir, who was the initial focus of the inquiry.

Israeli officials describe the local prosecutor as acting independently of the federal government. They argue that the use of universal jurisdiction laws against an ally like Israel was not intended by Rome's leadership. Several sources suggest the probe is politicized, noting that adding highly regarded, apolitical navy officers indicates a disjointed approach rather than a standard legal review.

The ICC is currently seeking the arrest of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant. Reports indicate it may also target ministers Betzalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, along with other senior security figures. The Italian probe, however, implicates a wider range of operational staff, including those responsible for detention and naval operations.

Prosecutors sent a request for judicial assistance to Israel in June to reconstruct events and establish individual responsibility. Israeli authorities have not confirmed whether they responded to this request. Multiple officials declined to address the issue directly, suggesting they may view the request as invalid without formal endorsement from the Italian federal government.

Italy and Israel have experienced diplomatic friction recently, including the suspension of certain defense cooperation agreements. The two sides have also sparred over the treatment of activists detained in the West Bank during olive harvest operations. Despite this, Israeli officials maintain that the criminal proceeding conflicts with the overall policy of the Italian government, which has not sought to inflame relations further.