France has banned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering its territory after a video surfaced showing him taunting activists who were abducted from an aid flotilla earlier this week, sparking international outrage.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced on X Saturday (local time): “As of today, Itamar Ben-Gvir is banned from entering French territory.” He explained that the decision was made following Ben-Gvir’s “reprehensible” actions against French and European citizens who were passengers on the Global Sumud Flotilla.
Earlier, Ben-Gvir posted a video on social media showing him gloating as activists from the flotilla were forced to kneel on the floor, blindfolded and with their hands tied, at the Port of Ashdod. Israeli naval forces intercepted the flotilla’s ships in international waters off the coast of Cyprus, unlawfully abducting around 430 participants.
Images of activists being dragged across the floor prompted several countries, including Italy, France, the Netherlands, Canada, and Spain, to summon the Israeli ambassador, condemning the “unacceptable” behavior and violation of human dignity.
Foreign Minister Barrot emphasized: “We cannot accept French citizens being threatened, intimidated, or violently treated in this way, especially by a public official. I note that these actions have been condemned by many Israeli political figures and the government.” He also called on the European Union (EU) to impose sanctions on Itamar Ben-Gvir, echoing a proposal by his Italian counterpart. Barrot added: “These actions follow a long series of shocking statements and deeds, as well as incitement to hatred and violence against Palestinians.”
