Israel’s government is reportedly preparing measures to arrest Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg under terrorism-related conditions after she joined the largest solidarity flotilla yet bound for Gaza, The New York Times reports.
According to Israeli media, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir is set to present Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with a plan to detain Thunberg and other activists under harsh conditions “as if they were terrorists,” in specialized detention centers. He is also pushing for the seizure of their ships, to be repurposed for Israeli naval police operations.
“After a few weeks… they will regret coming here,” sources told Israel Hayom. “We must extinguish their desire for another such attempt.”
Thunberg departed from Barcelona on Sunday, joining what activists have called the “largest solidarity mission in history” aimed at delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. Additional supplies were loaded onto ships departing from Genoa, while further shipments are expected to leave Catania, Sicily on Thursday.
Speaking before departure, Thunberg said the goal was “to help civilians in Gaza and to open a humanitarian corridor.” She rejected accusations of antisemitism, stating:
“It is not hatred of Jews to say that everyone deserves to live in freedom and dignity.”
The development follows a June incident, when Thunberg and 11 other activists were intercepted by the Israeli navy after entering waters near Gaza. They were escorted to the port of Ashdod. Israeli authorities claimed the activists had refused to view footage of the October 7 Hamas attacks.
