It might have been more surprising if he had not appeared at Ashdod port to welcome the activists.Some of Israel's most strident supporters will ask "so what" about Ben-Gvir's actions and point to the abuses of groups such as Hamas in Gaza.They're crimes that do deserve attention, and receive it.But in this instance, even Israel's promoter-in-chief, Netanyahu, has called out his minister's conduct.And for a country that portrays itself as an oasis of liberal democratic ideals in a desert of authoritarian and oppressive regimes, it is impossible to let Ben-Gvir's conduct slide.What's different this time around is that he has been seen in a video taunting foreigners, prompting the outrage of countries furious at the treatment of their citizens.While the world's condemnation of his treatment of Palestinians has been voiced, it hasn't always been as loud and in unison.At the end of the day, the criticism doesn't necessarily weaken Itamar Ben-Gvir's resolve And it's the type of behaviour his supporters both endorse and expect."The days of our country being a punching bag are over," Ben-Gvir told the Israeli parliament hours after the video was posted and the outcry began."The days when terrorists want to hurt us, and we had to be apologetic, nice and understanding, are over."In the lead-up to an election in Israel, the minister may face a slap on the wrist from the government over this incident.But the government exists, at least in part, because of him and it allows him to act as he does.