France has decided to ban Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from access to French territory, said Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Saturday, adding that the decision reflected anger over the treatment of Gaza flotilla activists.
“As of today, Itamar Ben-Gvir is banned from entering French territory,” wrote Barrot on X.
“Along with my Italian counterpart, I am asking the European Union to also take sanctions against Itamar Ben-Gvir,” he added.
Ben-Gvir released a video on Wednesday showing detained participants of the intercepted Gaza-bound flotilla being bound and dragged in Israel’s Ashdod Port, writing, “That’s how we welcome the terror supporters. Welcome to Israel.”
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In the video, masked police officers are seen pushing the flotilla activists to the ground, forcing them to stand on all fours, and dragging them across the floor. The activists are seen lined up inside a warehouse, forced to kneel with their faces to the ground with their hands zip-tied behind their backs.
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Gaza-bound flotilla activists crouch on the floor with their hands tied in zip-bands, on Wednesday. Credit: Screenshot/Itamar Ben-Gvir on X
Gaza-bound flotilla activists crouch on the floor with their hands tied in zip-bands, on Wednesday. Credit: Screenshot/Itamar Ben-Gvir on X
Ben-Gvir is seen walking into the warehouse and waving an Israeli flag while yelling, “Welcome to Israel. We’re the landlords,” followed by, “Good job. That’s how you do it.” He is also seen saying “good job” while walking by masked officers binding a woman.
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Several countries issued sharp condemnations and summoned Israeli ambassadors on Wednesday and Thursday for clarification, demanding apologies over the treatment of their citizens aboard the flotilla.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the country would ban Ben-Gvir from entering and push for similar measures across Europe. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares condemned the “monstrous, undignified and humiliating treatment.”