France imposes travel ban on Israeli minister Ben-Gvir following flotilla abuse allegations
The decision follows international outcry after footage emerged of Itamar Ben-Gvir taunting detainees from the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was intercepted by Israeli naval forces in international waters.
France has formally prohibited Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering its territory, a move announced by Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Saturday. The ban serves as a direct diplomatic response to social media posts in which Ben-Gvir appeared to gloat over the treatment of activists detained following the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla.
Barrot confirmed the restriction via a post on the platform X, stating that the measure reflects a zero-tolerance stance towards threats against French and European citizens. He described Ben-Gvir’s actions as "reprehensible," noting that France does not accept its nationals being intimidated or subjected to violence, particularly by public officials. The Foreign Minister also highlighted that the minister’s conduct had drawn condemnation from a significant number of Israeli governmental and political figures.
The controversy centres on footage released earlier in the week showing Ben-Gvir taunting activists who were kneeling on the floor, blindfolded, and bound at the Port of Ashdod. The Global Sumud Flotilla, carrying approximately 430 participants, was intercepted by Israeli naval forces in international waters off the coast of Cyprus. Following the interception, hundreds of participants were released, with many beginning to report on their detention experiences on Thursday.
Allegations regarding the treatment of detainees have escalated rapidly. Organisers of the flotilla reported that freed activists documented at least 15 cases of sexual abuse during detention, including strip searches, groping, and rape. Sabrina Charik, who assisted in the return of 37 French citizens, told Reuters that five French participants were hospitalised in Turkiye with injuries such as broken ribs and fractured vertebrae, with some making detailed accusations of sexual violence. Israel’s prison service has denied these allegations, describing them as false and without factual basis.
The incident has triggered a coordinated diplomatic response across Europe. Italy, the Netherlands, Canada, and Spain have summoned Israeli ambassadors to protest the treatment of the activists. Barrot has joined his Italian counterpart in calling on the European Union to impose sanctions against Ben-Gvir, citing a pattern of incitement to hatred and violence against Palestinians. The United Nations spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, expressed concern regarding the abuse allegations during a briefing on Friday.
