France has banned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering French territory following the detention of European activists aboard a Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla intercepted by Israeli forces.
“As of this day, Itamar Ben-Gvir is banned from accessing French territory,” , French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said on Friday.
Barrot said the decision followed what he described as “unacceptable actions” by Ben-Gvir toward French and European citizens aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla.
“We disapprove of this flotilla’s approach, which produces no useful effect and burdens diplomatic and consular services,” Barrot said. “But we cannot tolerate French nationals being threatened, intimidated, or brutalized in this way, especially by a public official.”
The French minister also called on the European Union to impose sanctions on Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, echoing a similar appeal made by his Italian counterpart.
The announcement came amid growing diplomatic backlash over Israel’s interception of the Gaza-bound flotilla earlier this week.
Italy and Canada summoned Israeli ambassadors on Wednesday seeking explanations over the treatment of their citizens detained during the operation, after footage circulated online showing activists with bound hands forced to kneel in stress positions with their foreheads pressed to the ground.
Criticism intensified after Ben-Gvir shared video footage from inside the detention facility appearing to mock the detainees.
Rights groups and critics accused the Israeli minister of publicly glorifying the mistreatment of activists, while several Israeli political figures also condemned the incident.
