France bans Ben Gvir after flotilla activists abuse video

France bans Ben Gvir after flotilla activists abuse video Submitted by MEE staff on Sat, 05/23/2026 - 14:54 Paris cites Israeli minister's 'unacceptable conduct' towards European activists seized in international waters Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir takes part in a Cabinet meeting at the Kirya, which houses the Israeli defence ministry, in Tel Aviv on 31 December 2023 (Abir Sultan/AFP) Off France has banned Israeli minister Itamar Ben Gvir from entering the country after a video was released showing him overseeing the abuse of detained Gaza-bound flotilla activists. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said the decision followed Ben Gvir's "unacceptable conduct towards French and European citizens" during last week's flotilla raid. While Paris did not support the activists' mission, Barrot said the treatment they received was unacceptable.