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Flotilla activists mocked/France bans entry to Israeli security minister

2026-05-23 16:36:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

France has banned Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering the country after a widely condemned video posted on his X account in which he mocked pro-Palestinian activists aboard an aid flotilla bound for Gaza.

"As of this day, Itamar Ben-Gvir is prohibited from entering French territory. This decision follows his unacceptable actions towards French and European citizens on board the Global SUmud flotilla. We do not approve of the approach of this flotilla, which produces no beneficial effect and burdens the diplomatic and consular services, whose professionalism and dedication I salute."

"But we cannot tolerate French citizens being threatened, intimidated or brutalized in this way, especially by a public official. I note that these actions have been condemned by a large number of Israeli government and political figures. They come after a long list of shocking statements and actions, incitement to hatred and violence against Palestinians. Like my Italian colleague, I call on the European Union to impose sanctions on Itamar Ben-Gvir as well," French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced.

France, Spain and Italy are also calling for EU sanctions against Ben-Gvir. The video, posted on Ben-Gvir's account with the caption "This is how we welcome supporters of terrorism. Welcome to Israel," shows the activists kneeling with their foreheads on the ground and their hands tied.

The activists' ship was sailing to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza when it was stopped by Israeli security forces in international waters. In the video, the minister is seen walking among activists tied to a group of supporters, waving an Israeli flag while taunting and harassing the detainees.

The footage was widely criticized by critics and Israel's allies alike, and Ben-Gvir's behavior was reprimanded by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Activists claim after deportation from Israel that they were abused while in custody. On Friday, the Global Fleet Sumud said some of the detainees were subjected to physical and sexual abuse. The Israeli prison service denied that any abuse had occurred. /CNA