PARIS – On Saturday, France took a firm stand against Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, by barring him from entering the country. This action was a direct response to his “unacceptable” conduct towards activists from a Gaza-bound flotilla, who were apprehended by forces under his command.
Jean-Noël Barrot, France’s foreign minister, conveyed the decision via a post on X, stating, “Itamar Ben-Gvir is now prohibited from setting foot on French soil. This move is a consequence of his intolerable behavior towards French and European citizens aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla.”
Barrot further emphasized France’s stance, saying that such threats, intimidation, or mistreatment of its nationals are intolerable, especially by someone holding a public office. He also urged the European Union to consider sanctions against Ben-Gvir.
Efforts have been made to obtain a response from Ben-Gvir’s team and the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as reported by the Associated Press.
Earlier this week, Ben-Gvir faced international criticism after sharing footage of himself mocking the detained activists from the flotilla.
One video clip showed Ben-Gvir waving a large Israeli flag over the detainees, who were hunched over with their hands seemingly tied. In another segment, he taunted a kneeling detainee with zip-tied wrists, shouting “Am Yisrael Chai” — which translates to “The nation of Israel lives.” A third clip captured detainees with their foreheads pressed to the ground in an outdoor pen, surrounded by armed guards, as the Israeli national anthem played in the background.
Foreign leaders — and even coalition partner Netanyahu — condemned Ben-Gvir’s on-camera treatment of some 430 flotilla detainees.
In his post, the French minister was also critical of flotilla activists, who were attempting to breach Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza.
“We disapprove of this flotilla’s approach, which produces no useful effect and places an additional burden on diplomatic and consular services,” Barrot wrote.
