France has announced a ban on entry for Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, following growing diplomatic backlash over a video showing the treatment of detained activists from a Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla.
According to France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, the decision was taken after Ben-Gvir published footage that appeared to show restrained activists being mocked after their arrest by Israeli forces. He confirmed on social media platform X that Ben-Gvir would no longer be allowed into French territory due to what he described as “reprehensible actions” involving French and European citizens.
The controversy stems from a video shared by Ben-Gvir on Wednesday, which showed foreign activists detained by Israeli authorities after their flotilla was intercepted in international waters. The activists were reportedly part of a humanitarian mission heading toward Gaza.
In the footage, several detainees were seen kneeling with their hands tied while surrounded by Israeli security personnel. The clip, captioned “Welcome to Israel,” also showed Ben-Gvir appearing to confront and mock the detainees while holding an Israeli flag.
The incident sparked widespread criticism across Europe, with Spain also calling for European Union-level sanctions against the Israeli minister. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom summoned Israel’s most senior diplomat in London to express concern over what it described as an inflammatory video.
The diplomatic tensions come as international pressure continues to build over the handling of aid flotillas attempting to reach Gaza amid the ongoing blockade.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu distanced his government from the incident, stating that Ben-Gvir’s conduct did not reflect Israel’s official values or standards. However, he also criticized the humanitarian mission itself, describing it as politically motivated and aligned with hostile interests.
The flotilla, which reportedly included around 50 vessels departing from Turkey, was organized under the Global Sumud Flotilla initiative. It marked another attempt by activists to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza, following a similar interception of a previous convoy last month.
As diplomatic tensions escalate, the decision by France adds to growing divisions between Israel and several European countries over the handling of activists and humanitarian aid missions connected to the Gaza conflict.
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