France Bans Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from Entering the Country

On Saturday, May 23, 2026, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced that his country had decided to ban Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering French territory. This decision reflects the growing outrage of many governments worldwide in response to the treatment of activists on the Freedom Flotilla, which was headed to Gaza.

Minister Barrot posted on X (formerly Twitter): "As of today, Itamar Ben-Gvir is banned from entering French territory."

He continued: "My Italian counterpart and I also urge the European Union to take sanctions against Itamar Ben-Gvir."

Several Western governments have expressed their indignation after Ben-Gvir published a video showing him reprimanding activists from the Freedom Flotilla while they were being subdued. Some of them claimed to have suffered physical aggression during their detention, which the Israeli Prison Service denied. The activists were attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the United States have both strongly condemned Ben-Gvir's behavior.

A spokesperson for Ben-Gvir has yet to comment on the French decision.

Later in their detention, Israel expelled the activists from the Freedom Flotilla, whose ships were intercepted by Israeli naval forces in international waters last week.

Background

The Freedom Flotilla was a humanitarian mission aimed at delivering aid to the Gaza Strip, which has been under a blockade by Israel and Egypt for several years. The mission was met with force by Israeli naval forces, leading to the detention of activists and the seizure of their ships. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation from governments and human rights organizations around the world.