PARIS, May 23 : France has banned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering its territory, citing what Foreign Minister Jean-No l Barrot described as “unacceptable actions” involving activists aboard a Gaza-bound flotilla.
Barrot said the decision followed reported incidents involving French and other European citizens taking part in the Global Sumud Flotilla. He stressed that France “cannot tolerate French nationals being threatened, intimidated, or brutalized,” particularly by a serving foreign government minister.
In a post on X , Barrot said the actions attributed to Ben-Gvir had drawn condemnation from several Israeli political and government figures. He also pointed to what he called a “long list of shocking statements and actions, incitements to hatred and violence against Palestinians,” linked to the minister.
Barrot further urged the European union to consider imposing sanctions on Ben-Gvir, echoing a similar appeal from Italy.
The move follows the circulation of footage allegedly showing Ben-Gvir, a far-right member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government, walking among detained activists who were kneeling with their hands tied. In the video, he appears to wave an Israeli flag and taunt detainees.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has also requested that EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas place possible sanctions against Ben-Gvir on the agenda of an upcoming meeting of EU foreign ministers. Separately, Irish Prime Minister Miche l Martin has written to European Council President Ant nio Costa calling for the issue to be discussed at the next EU summit.
The flotilla, carrying 428 participants from 44 countries, departed from Marmaris, T rkiye, on Thursday. It aimed to challenge Israel’s blockade on the Gaza Strip, which has been in place since 2007. (UNI)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
