France has announced a ban on Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir from entering its territory. The decision follows widespread backlash over a video showing detained activists from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla.
French officials said the move was linked to what they described as “reprehensible actions” involving foreign nationals, including European citizens.
“From today, Itamar Ben Gvir is banned from entering French territory” after “his reprehensible actions towards French and European citizens,” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated on X.
Push for Broader European Sanctions
The French foreign minister also indicated coordination with Italy and other European partners. He called for European Union-level sanctions against the Israeli far-right minister.
The decision reflects growing diplomatic pressure across Europe following the release of the controversial footage.
Controversial Video Sparks Global Reaction
The ban comes after a video posted by Ben Gvir sparked international criticism. The footage showed detained activists who were part of a humanitarian flotilla heading toward Gaza.
The activists were reportedly seized by Israeli forces in international waters and taken to the port of Ashdod for deportation procedures.
In the video, several activists appeared kneeling with their foreheads on the ground and their hands tied. The clip also showed Ben Gvir speaking to them while waving an Israeli flag, with the caption “Welcome to Israel”.
International Diplomatic Reactions
Several countries reacted strongly to the incident. Spain urged the European Union to consider sanctions against Ben Gvir.
The United Kingdom also summoned Israel’s senior diplomatic representative in response to what it described as an “inflammatory video”.
These reactions indicate increasing diplomatic tension surrounding the treatment of activists involved in the flotilla mission.
Israeli Government Response
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the video and stated that the conduct shown was not aligned with official standards.
He said Ben Gvir’s actions were “not in line with Israel’s values and norms”.
At the same time, Netanyahu had earlier described the flotilla mission as a “malicious scheme” intended to support Hamas.
Background of the Flotilla Mission
The activists involved were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which departed from Turkey. The convoy included around 50 vessels carrying humanitarian aid.
The mission aimed to reach Gaza amid ongoing restrictions, but it was intercepted by Israeli forces at sea.
It followed a previous attempt last month, when another convoy was also stopped by Israeli authorities.
The decision by France adds to growing international scrutiny over the incident, highlighting rising diplomatic friction linked to the Gaza aid flotilla and its aftermath.
