Territory ban puts more pressure on EU to act after flotilla video

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.