The French government has banned Israel Itamar Ben-Gvir, the country’s controversial national security minister, citing its treatment of its own citizens who were part of a global aid flotilla.
“We cannot tolerate French citizens being threatened, intimidated or brutalized in this way, especially by a public official,” tweeted Jean-Noël Barrot, France’s foreign minister. X.
“As of this day, Itamar Ben-Gvir is prohibited from entering French territory,” he added.
On Wednesday, Ben-Gvir, who is in charge of Israel’s national security and considered a hardliner, posted a video showing banned Gaza Aid Flotilla activists – including EU citizens – kneeling as he appeared to mock them.
Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu distanced himself from his cabinet colleague after. “The way Minister Ben-Gvir treated the flotilla activists is not in line with Israel’s values and norms,” Netanyahu said.
On Thursday, Italy began calling for Ben Gvir to be sanctioned. “Like my Italian colleague, I call on the European Union to impose sanctions on Itamar Ben-Gvir,” said Barrot.
Italy has so far been one of the countries that has vetoed the suspension of the EU-Israel association agreement, along with Germany. Rome called for Ben-Gvir to be sanctioned for his “unacceptable acts committed against the flotilla”.
Italy postpones EU sanctions against Ben-Gvir after flotilla incident
Italy has formally asked the EU to review sanctions against Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s national security…
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(jp)
