France bans Itamar Ben-Gvir from entry after conduct toward Global Sumud Flotilla detainees

France banned Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, from entering French territory. The move followed video clips showing Ben-Gvir taunting activists detained by Israeli police. Those activists had been part of the Global Sumud Flotilla heading to Gaza. France said the conduct targeted French and European citizens among the passengers.

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French foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced the ban in a post on X. Barrot linked the decision to the treatment of detained flotilla activists. Barrot also urged the European Union to take similar steps. The Associated Press sought comment from Ben-Gvir’s spokesperson and the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Itamar Ben-Gvir ban: France cites "unspeakable actions\"

\"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,\" Barrot announced in a post on X. Barrot described the issue as involving citizens who were detained by Ben-Gvir’s police force.

\"We cannot tolerate that French nationals can be threatened, intimidated or brutalised in this way - all the more so by a public official,\" Barrot posted. Barrot added a call for EU sanctions on Ben-Gvir. France framed the ban as a response to conduct shown publicly. The comments focused on the treatment of detainees and official responsibility.

Itamar Ben-Gvir video: detained flotilla activists shown in clips

This week, Ben-Gvir drew global anger after sharing a video featuring detained flotilla activists. One clip shows Ben-Gvir waving a large Israeli flag above hunched-over detainees. Their hands appear to be bound. Another clip shows a detainee kneeling with wrists zip-tied. Ben-Gvir shouts \"Am Yisrael Chai\".

In another clip, detainees are seen with foreheads on the floor inside an outdoor pen. The Israeli national anthem plays in the background. Armed guards stand around the detainees in the footage. Foreign leaders criticised the on-camera treatment. Even coalition partner Netanyahu condemned Ben-Gvir’s behaviour towards about 430 detainees.

Itamar Ben-Gvir flotilla: France criticises attempt to breach Gaza blockade

Barrot also criticised the flotilla activists in the same post on X. The activists aimed to breach Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. \"We disapprove of this flotillas approach, which produces no useful effect and places an additional burden on diplomatic and consular services,\" Barrot wrote. France separated that criticism from the minister’s conduct.

The flotilla included 50 boats and was intercepted in international waters. The interception happened about 400 kilometres off Israel’s coast. After detention, activists accused Israeli forces of mistreatment. They described beatings, tasers and attack dogs. These allegations were reported after the group was taken into custody.

Itamar Ben-Gvir ban: Poland announces five-year entry bar

Poland also barred Ben-Gvir and announced a five-year ban on Thursday. Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski posted a criticism of the video conduct. \"In the democratic world we do not abuse and gloat over people in custody,\" Sikorski posted. The Polish decision added to pressure from other countries over the detention videos.

France’s ban kept focus on how officials treat detainees, especially foreign citizens. The case also kept attention on the Gaza naval blockade and the intercepted flotilla. Poland’s five-year bar added another European restriction on Ben-Gvir. The Associated Press continued seeking responses from Ben-Gvir’s camp and Netanyahu’s office.

With inputs from PTI