The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has demanded that the Government of Spain offer "explanations" for the operation carried out by the Ertzaintza during the arrival at Loiu airport, near Bilbao, of the activists from the international flotilla for solidarity with Gaza.
"We demand an explanation from the Spanish Government for its treatment of the flotilla anarchists," the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs published on its social media, accompanying the message with videos showing the clashes between protesters and officers recorded this Saturday.
In another message, the department that directs Israeli diplomacy ironically stated that "The flotilla anarchists are driving the Spanish police crazy," in response to the criticisms made by the Spanish Executive regarding the treatment received by the activists after being intercepted in international waters, subsequently transferred to Israel, and deported in recent days.
During the incidents at the Biscay airport, the Ertzaintza arrested four people who are charged with crimes of serious disobedience, resistance, and assault on agents of authority. The images show how the Ertzaintza officers forcefully use their batons and drag some of the activists to proceed with their arrest.
The Basque Department of Security has reported that, following the events, the Internal Affairs Directorate of the Ertzaintza has opened an internal investigation to verify whether the police intervention complied with current protocols and operational instructions.