France bars Itamar Ben-Gvir

France barred Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering French territory on Saturday after footage of his treatment of Gaza-bound flotilla detainees prompted condemnation in Europe and criticism inside Israel. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the move followed what he called “unspeakable actions” toward French and European citizens aboard the Global Sumud flotilla. The ban makes Ben-Gvir one of the few sitting Israeli ministers to face a direct entry prohibition from a major Western ally during the Gaza war. Poland announced a separate five-year ban a day earlier, according to multiple reports. ### What did France say Ben-Gvir did? Jean-Noël Barrot said on May 23 that Ben-Gvir was barred from French territory because of his conduct toward passengers detained after trying to sail to Gaza. France 24, Politico and Bloomberg all reported that Barrot tied the decision to the treatment of French and other European citizens on the flotilla. Newsday reported that France cited Ben-Gvir’s “unspeakable” behavior toward activists from the flotilla. (newsday.com) The report said detained activists accused Israeli forces of beatings, tasers and attack dogs after the interception. ### What footage triggered the backlash? May 20 footage posted by Ben-Gvir showed him taunting detained activists after the flotilla was intercepted, according to The Times of Israel. (france24.com) The report said the video showed bound detainees at Ashdod Port and prompted immediate criticism. Al Arabiya and other outlets reported that the French decision was linked to Ben-Gvir’s “unacceptable actions” toward French and European citizens aboard the Global Sumud flotilla. (newsday.com) Bloomberg said France cited threats and violence against activists trying to bring aid to Gaza by sea. ### How unusual is criticism from inside Israel? The Jerusalem Post editorial board said on May 24 that Ben-Gvir’s harassment of Global Sumud Flotilla activists was wrong and had handed Israel’s critics an opening. (timesofisrael.com) The editorial said Israel had been fighting a political and diplomatic war alongside the military campaign and called a minister who undermines that effort “a liability.” Middle East Eye reported earlier in the week that Israeli officials and opposition figures accused Ben-Gvir of damaging the country’s image after the video circulated. (english.alarabiya.net) The backlash was notable because it came not only from opponents but also from figures aligned with the government’s wartime messaging, according to that report. ### Which countries have acted against him so far? (jpost.com) Poland announced on Thursday that Ben-Gvir would be barred for five years, Newsday and Israel National News reported. Newsday cited Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski as saying, “In the democratic world we do not abuse and gloat over people in custody.” France then followed on Saturday and Barrot called on the European Union to consider sanctions on Ben-Gvir, according to Israel National News and Al Arabiya. (middleeasteye.net) No EU-wide action had been announced in the reports available on Sunday. ### What comes next in Europe? The next immediate step is whether other European governments or the European Union act on Barrot’s call for sanctions. France’s decision applies to French territory now, while Poland’s separate five-year ban is already in place, according to reports published May 23 and May 24. (newsday.com) (israelnationalnews.com)