France bans Israeli Security Minister Ben-Gvir over flotilla incident
The decision follows criticism of Itamar Ben-Gvir for promoting a video taunting detained activists from the Gaza-bound Sumud flotilla.
France has formally prohibited Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering French territory, a move announced by Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot on Saturday. The ban was implemented in direct response to the minister’s conduct regarding the detention of activists from the Gaza-bound Sumud flotilla.
Barrot confirmed the decision in a social media post on X, stating that the measure reflects significant anger over the treatment of the activists. The Foreign Minister explicitly noted that the ban is a consequence of Ben-Gvir promoting a video of himself taunting bound and kneeling activists who had been detained by Israeli police.
The incident has escalated diplomatic tensions, with Barrot indicating that France is seeking broader international action. Alongside his Italian counterpart, Barrot has called on the European Union to impose sanctions against Ben-Gvir, aligning French policy with Italy in response to the minister’s actions.
The Sumud flotilla, described as bound for Gaza, had its activists detained by Israeli police prior to the video being circulated. The French government’s response underscores a shift from diplomatic protest to concrete administrative restrictions on the Israeli minister’s movements.
The announcement marks a significant development in the ongoing friction between France and Israel regarding the handling of the flotilla incident. By coordinating with Italy, France is attempting to frame the response as a unified European stance against the perceived mistreatment of the activists.
