France bans Itamar Ben-Gvir over Gaza flotilla activist treatment

France has barred Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, from entering its territory, turning a travel ban into a sharper sign of how isolated he has become over the treatment of Gaza flotilla activists.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the ban took effect immediately and was tied to Ben-Gvir’s handling of activists aboard the Global Sumud flotilla, which had tried to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. In a post on X, Barrot wrote, “As from today, Itamar Ben-Gvir is banned from entering French territory,” and pressed the European Union to consider sanctions as well.

The move came after a video circulated showing Ben-Gvir appearing to taunt detained activists after Israeli police forced them to kneel in rows with their hands tied behind their backs. Some of those activists later alleged physical abuse and other mistreatment in detention, claims Israel’s prison service denied. France had already summoned the Israeli ambassador over the episode, and Paris said 37 French nationals who had been aboard the flotilla were being deported by Israel to Turkey.

The wider fallout has spread across European capitals. Several countries, including Britain, France, Portugal, Italy, the Netherlands and Canada, summoned Israeli envoys over the treatment of the activists and Ben-Gvir’s conduct. The United Nations human rights office said efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza were not a crime, while UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said the world body was concerned by reports of humiliating treatment and allegations of abuse.

Ben-Gvir’s actions have also drawn criticism inside Israel and beyond. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the minister’s conduct was “not in line with Israel’s values and norms,” and the United States also criticized him. The French move adds to a pattern of escalating pressure on a minister already sanctioned in June 2025 by Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Norway over what those governments described as repeated incitement to violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.

Israeli forces intercepted 50 ships and detained roughly 428 to 430 participants from more than 40 countries during the flotilla operation. France’s decision signals that for Europe, the line is moving from criticism of Gaza policy to direct penalties on officials linked to the blockade, settlement politics and the public humiliation of activists.