France bans far-right Israeli minister over treatment of activists
May 24, 2026
Paris [France], May 24: France on Saturday imposed an entry ban on Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir following controversial actions against Gaza flotilla activists.
"This decision is a reaction to his inexcusable behaviour towards French and European citizens who were travelling as passengers on the Global Smud Flotilla," French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on X.
A video shared by Ben-Gvir showing the Gaza activists after their arrest sparked international outrage.
The footage shows the minister walking among bound activists with a group of supporters, waving an Israeli flag while mocking and taunting the detainees. Barrot stressed that it could not be tolerated that French nationals were threatened, intimidated or mistreated in this way, especially by someone in the government.He said the actions formed part of a long list of "shocking statements and actions" as well as "calls for hatred and violence against the Palestinians."
Barrot joined Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in urging the European Union to impose sanctions on Ben-Gvir. According to Tajani, EU foreign ministers should decide on punitive measures at their next meeting. Several foreign ministers from European countries have condemned Israel's actions against the activists.
The video, posted on Wednesday, drew widespread criticism from European governments. Italy, Poland and Britain summoned Israeli diplomats to protest, while Greece and the Netherlands also lodged complaints with the Israeli government. A spokesman for EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said their treatment was "completely unacceptable."
In Germany, the Foreign Office said several activists from Germany who were deported by Israel to Turkiye were injured. A spokesman reiterated the German government's criticism of the "humiliating treatment" of those detained in Israel.
Israel stopped the Gaza aid flotilla, consisting of more than 50 boats, earlier this week in international waters near Cyprus.Around 430 activists wanted to break the naval blockade of the Gaza Strip, which is also supported by Egypt.
Source: Qatar Tribune
