France bans Israeli far-right minister from entering country

France has denied entry to Israel's far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, citing his "unjustifiable behavior" towards French and European citizens involved in a Gaza flotilla. The French Foreign Minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, announced the decision on social media platform X.

The ban comes after Ben-Gvir posted videos showing Israeli forces detaining activists intercepted at sea while attempting to reach Gaza. The footage depicted what critics described as humiliating treatment and intimidation, with activists shown kneeling with bound hands and faces pressed to the ground. Ben-Gvir was seen encouraging security forces and waving an Israeli flag, addressing the detainees in Hebrew.

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The decision was made due to his unjustifiable behavior towards French and European citizens on a Gaza flotilla.

Several European countries had already condemned the treatment of the activists. Barrot stated that while France does not endorse humanitarian flotillas for Gaza, believing they have no useful effect, it cannot permit French citizens to be threatened, intimidated, or brutally treated, especially by a public official.

Barrot's statement aligns with calls from Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who had urged the EU to impose sanctions against Ben-Gvir. The French decision underscores the international criticism directed at Ben-Gvir's actions and the conduct of Israeli forces during the interception.

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France does not endorse humanitarian flotillas for Gaza, as they have no useful effect, but it cannot allow French citizens to be threatened, intimidated, or brutally treated, especially by a public official.