France bans Israel's Itamar Ben-Gvir over actions against flotilla activists
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- France has banned Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, from entering its territory due to his "unspeakable" treatment of activists detained from a flotilla to Gaza, according to French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot.
- Ben-Gvir faced global condemnation after sharing videos showing him taunting detainees, including waving an Israeli flag over bound activists and shouting slogans, which drew criticism from foreign leaders and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- The flotilla, consisting of 50 boats attempting to breach Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza, was intercepted in international waters, with activists alleging mistreatment such as beatings and use of tasers and attack dogs.
- France criticized the flotilla's approach as ineffective and burdensome to diplomatic efforts, while also calling on the European Union to impose sanctions on Ben-Gvir.
- Poland has similarly banned Ben-Gvir for five years, condemning his behavior as abusive and inappropriate for a democratic society.