France has imposed a ban on Israel's far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, condemning his 'unspeakable' conduct toward activists from a flotilla to Gaza who were detained by Israeli police. The announcement was made on Saturday by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot via a post on X.
Official Statement
'As of today, Itamar Ben-Gvir is banned from entering French territory. This decision follows his unspeakable actions toward French and European citizens who were passengers on the Global Sumud Flotilla,' Barrot declared. He emphasised that France cannot tolerate French nationals being threatened, intimidated, or brutalised, particularly by a public official. Barrot also called on the European Union to impose similar sanctions on Ben-Gvir.
Global Outrage
The controversy erupted after Ben-Gvir promoted a video showing him taunting detained flotilla activists. In one clip, he waves a large Israeli flag over hunched-over detainees with bound hands. In another, he taunts a kneeling detainee with zip-tied wrists, shouting 'Am Yisrael Chai' — Hebrew for 'The nation of Israel lives.' A third clip depicts detainees with their foreheads on the ground in an outdoor pen, surrounded by armed guards, as the Israeli national anthem plays.
International leaders, including coalition partner Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, condemned Ben-Gvir's treatment of approximately 430 flotilla detainees. The Associated Press has sought comment from Ben-Gvir's spokesperson and Netanyahu's office.
French Criticism of Flotilla
In his statement, Barrot also criticised the flotilla activists for 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,' he wrote.
