France has banned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering its territory, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Saturday, citing the minister’s “unacceptable actions” towards French and European citizens aboard the Global Sumud flotilla.
– As of today, Itamar Ben-Gvir is prohibited from entering the territory of France – said Barrot in a statement.
The decision comes after an Israeli minister released a video in which he mocks detained activists from a flotilla that was on its way to Gaza, kneeling with their hands tied.
The French minister said that Paris does not support the approach of the flotilla, stating that it “does not produce any useful effect and further burdens the diplomatic and consular services”. At the same time, he praised the professionalism and dedication of the French diplomatic staff involved in the entire case.
However, Barrot pointed out that France cannot tolerate its citizens being treated in a way that involves “threats, intimidation or brutality, especially when it comes from a public official”.
He added that Ben-Gvir’s actions were condemned by “numerous members of the Israeli government and political scene”, and stated that they follow a “long series of shocking statements and actions, as well as incitement of hatred and violence against Palestinians”.
Barrot also called on the European Union to impose sanctions on Ben-Gvir, joining a similar request made earlier by Italy’s foreign minister.
Ben-Gvir, a far-right member of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government, has previously been the target of international criticism for his statements about the Palestinians and the Gaza war, as well as other controversial moves.
(Vijesti.ba)
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