France has banned Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering its territory following footage showing him taunting detained activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, which triggered international condemnation.
Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced the decision on X, saying it followed “reprehensible actions” against French and European citizens aboard the flotilla. The footage showed Ben-Gvir appearing to gloat as blindfolded, bound activists were held at Ashdod port after Israeli forces intercepted the vessels in international waters and detained around 430 participants.
Several countries, including Italy, France, the Netherlands, Canada and Spain, summoned Israeli ambassadors over what they described as unacceptable treatment and violations of human dignity. Barrot also urged the European Union to consider sanctions against Ben-Gvir. (NewsWire)