France Bans Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir After ‘Unspeakable’ Flotilla Detainee Taunts

France announced today that Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has been barred from entering the country following mounting outrage over his conduct toward activists detained after a Gaza-bound flotilla was intercepted by Israeli forces.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the decision was prompted by what he described as Ben-Gvir’s treatment of French and European activists who had been aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla.

“As of today, Itamar Ben-Gvir is banned from entering French territory. This decision follows his unspeakable actions toward French and European citizens who were passengers on the Global Sumud Flotilla,” the French foreign minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, announced in a post on X.

“We cannot tolerate that French nationals can be threatened, intimidated or brutalized in this way — all the more so by a public official,” Barrot posted, calling on the European Union to also sanction Ben-Gvir.

The controversy erupted after Ben-Gvir circulated videos showing his interactions with detainees from the flotilla, footage that quickly ignited criticism from governments around the world.

One video reportedly showed Ben-Gvir waving a large Israeli flag above detained activists who appeared to have their hands restrained. Another clip showed him shouting “Am Yisrael Chai” at a kneeling detainee whose wrists had reportedly been zip-tied. Additional footage showed detainees positioned face-down inside an outdoor holding area while Israel’s national anthem played nearby and armed security personnel stood guard around them.

The scenes triggered condemnation from several foreign governments and reportedly drew criticism even from Netanyahu, a coalition ally of Ben-Gvir.

Despite the harsh criticism directed at the Israeli minister, Barrot also distanced France from the flotilla mission itself, saying Paris did not support the activists’ operation.

“We disapprove of this flotilla’s approach, which produces no useful effect and places an additional burden on diplomatic and consular services,” Barrot wrote.

The flotilla, consisting of roughly 50 vessels, was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters approximately 250 miles from Israel’s coastline.

Activists detained during the operation accused Israeli personnel of abusive treatment during and after the seizure, alleging the use of beatings, tasers, and attack dogs.

Meanwhile, Poland also moved against Ben-Gvir this week, announcing a five-year prohibition barring him from entering the country.

Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski defended the move in a social media statement.

“In the democratic world we do not abuse and gloat over people in custody,” Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski posted.

{Matzav.com}