Updated

Italian prosecutors said on October 16, 2026 that they have expanded an investigation into the alleged mistreatment of Gaza flotilla activists to include Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, the IDF chief of staff and other senior military, police and prison officials, bringing roughly a dozen people under investigation. The probe, which spans two flotilla missions, covers allegations including beatings, death threats, sexual abuse, kidnapping and robbery, and had previously focused only on far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Italian prosecutors have sought Israel's cooperation in establishing individual responsibility, and similar investigations into the treatment of flotilla activists are reportedly underway elsewhere in Europe, underscoring growing legal scrutiny of senior Israeli officials over the conflict.