France bans hardline Israeli minister Ben-Gvir
The French government has banned Israel’s Itamar Ben-Gvir, the country’s controversial national security minister, citing his treatment of their citizens that were part of a global aid flotilla.
“We cannot tolerate French nationals being threatened, intimidated, or brutalised in this way, especially by a public official,” Jean-Noël Barrot, France’s foreign minister, posted on X.
“As of this day, Itamar Ben-Gvir is banned from accessing 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 detained Gaza Aid Flotilla activists – including EU citizens – kneeling while he appeared to mock them.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu distanced himself from his cabinet colleague in the aftermath. “The way that Minister Ben-Gvir dealt with the flotilla activists is not in line with Israel’s values and norms,” Netanyahu said.
On Thursday, Italy began…
