PARIS — France has barred Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering French territory following what French officials described as unacceptable conduct toward activists aboard a Gaza-bound flotilla.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced the decision on Saturday, saying the move came after incidents involving French and European citizens participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla.
“France cannot tolerate French nationals being threatened, intimidated, or brutalized,” Barrot said, particularly by a serving government minister.
In a post on X, Barrot said Ben-Gvir’s actions had also been condemned by several Israeli political and government figures.
“They follow a long list of shocking statements and actions, incitements to hatred and violence against Palestinians,” he wrote.
Barrot added that, like Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, he supports imposing European Union sanctions against Ben-Gvir.
The controversy follows the circulation of footage that appeared to show Ben-Gvir walking among detained activists who were kneeling in crowded formations with their hands tied behind their backs.
In the footage, the Israeli minister appeared to wave an Israeli flag and mock detainees.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani earlier requested that EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas place possible sanctions against Ben-Gvir on the agenda of the next EU foreign ministers’ meeting.
Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin also called for formal discussions at the upcoming EU summit regarding Israel’s treatment of European citizens aboard the flotilla.
The Global Sumud Flotilla departed from Marmaris on Thursday carrying 428 people from 44 countries in an attempt to break the Israeli blockade on Gaza, which has been in place since 2007.
Source: Saudi Gazette