Israeli Minister Smotrich banned from entering France

France has officially imposed a ban on Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, barring him from entering the country. This sanction is a response to Smotrich's provocative statements, which have been linked to increased settler violence against Palestinians and are seen as threatening the prospects for a two-state solution.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced that the sanctions against Smotrich were coordinated with the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Norway, and New Zealand. These measures are specifically aimed at individuals deemed responsible for the escalation of Israeli settler violence in the West Bank. Barrot stated that Smotrich actively promotes the annexation and construction of new illegal settlements in the West Bank, the re-occupation of the Gaza Strip, and the economic collapse of the Palestinian Authority, with severe consequences for the Palestinian population.

"This is an unacceptable policy for most of the international community, which is firmly committed to the two-state solution," Barrot declared on his X account. Smotrich is the second minister in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet to be banned from France. On May 23, 2026, France imposed similar sanctions on National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, citing his demeaning treatment of activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla who were abducted by Israeli forces.

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This is an unacceptable policy for most of the international community, which is firmly committed to the two-state solution.