UK minister praises Israel's 'commitment to robust democratic governance' after flotilla row

UK minister praises Israel's 'commitment to robust democratic governance' after flotilla row Submitted by Imran Mulla on Fri, 05/22/2026 - 15:01 Dan Jarvis made the comments at an event celebrating Israel's 78th independence day on the day of Itamar Ben Gvir's flotilla abuse video Dan Jarvis addressing the House of Commons in London in November 2025 (AFP) Off The UK 's security minister has paid tribute to the country's "deep rooted" relationship with Israel and hailed the "commitment to robust democratic governance, rule of law, and judicial independence" that he believes both nations share. Dan Jarvis's remarks came at a celebration of Israel's 78th independence day. The event, also attended by Prime Minister Keir Starmer's parliamentary private secretary, was held on Wednesday just after video footage showing Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir taunting activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla went viral online .