France bans Ben Gvir after flotilla activists abuse video

France bans Ben Gvir after flotilla activists abuse video  Submitted by MEE staff on Sat, 05/23/2026 - 14:54 Paris cites Israeli minister's 'unacceptable conduct' towards European activists seized in international waters Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir takes part in a Cabinet meeting at the Kirya, which houses the Israeli defence ministry, in Tel Aviv on 31 December 2023 (Abir Sultan/AFP) Off France has banned Israeli minister Itamar Ben Gvir from entering the country after a video was released showing him overseeing the abuse of detained Gaza-bound flotilla activists. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said the decision followed Ben Gvir's "unacceptable conduct towards French and European citizens" during last week's flotilla raid. While Paris did not support the activists' mission, Barrot said the treatment they received was unacceptable. "We cannot tolerate French nationals being threatened, intimidated or subjected to violence in this way, especially by a public official," he wrote on X on Saturday. Barrot added that Ben Gvir's actions followed "a long series of shocking statements and actions, as well as incitement to hatred and violence against Palestinians". He also backed calls by Italy for the European Union to impose sanctions on the Israeli minister. Last week, Ben Gvir released a video showing himself overseeing the mistreatment of hundreds of handcuffed activists seized by Israeli naval forces in international waters as they attempted to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. In the footage, the national security minister is seen waving an Israeli flag and taunting activists while Israeli officers force detainees to kneel facing the ground. ...

Original source: Middle East Eye