France Bans Israeli Minister; Hungary Stays in ICC, Limiting Netanyahu's Travel

Paris, France – France has banned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering its territory, citing his alleged mistreatment of activists aboard a Gaza-bound aid flotilla. This move underscores a deepening diplomatic strain between several European Union members and Israel, further complicated by Hungary's decision to remain a party to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

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As of today, Itamar Ben-Gvir is banned from French territory. This decision follows his unspeakable acts against French and European citizens who were aboard the 'Global Sudud Flotilla.'

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced the entry ban on X, formerly Twitter, stating it was a response to Ben-Gvir's "unspeakable acts" against French and European citizens on the 'Global Sudud Flotilla.' Ben-Gvir had previously released a video showing him mocking activists who had been intercepted by Israeli forces at sea and forced to kneel. While France opposed the flotilla's actions, Barrot emphasized that the mistreatment and intimidation of French nationals, particularly by a public official, is unacceptable.

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We cannot accept that French citizens are threatened, intimidated, and assaulted in this way, especially when it is done by a public official.

Ben-Gvir's actions have drawn widespread condemnation. Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also called for EU-level sanctions, describing the minister's behavior as "unacceptable" and a violation of basic human rights. Spain has joined Poland in requesting sanctions, with Poland initiating procedures to declare Ben-Gvir a persona non grata. These diplomatic rebukes signal a significant shift in European attitudes towards Israeli government actions.

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These acts were committed after a long series of shocking statements and actions by Israeli officials towards Palestinians, inciting hatred and violence.

Meanwhile, Hungary's new government has reversed a previous stance, opting to remain within the ICC framework. This decision means that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, against whom the ICC has issued an arrest warrant for alleged war crimes, will likely be unable to visit Hungary. With nearly all EU member states being signatories to the ICC, Netanyahu's travel options within Europe are increasingly limited, forcing him to detour around EU airspace even for visits to allied nations like the United States. The EU is also considering further measures, including suspending trade provisions and imposing high tariffs on goods from Israeli settlements in the West Bank, reflecting growing European pressure on Israel's policies.

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The unacceptable acts committed by Minister Ben-Gvir in international waters, not even in Israeli territorial waters, violating the most basic human rights through harassment and humiliation.