France Bans Nationalist Leader Avigdor Lieberman

France Bans Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from Entering Its Territory

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced on Saturday that Itamar Ben-Gvir, the National Security Minister of Israel, is banned from entering French territory. The ban was imposed following Ben-Gvir’s “unspeakable” behavior towards detained Gaza flotilla activists who were arrested by Israeli police forces.

Ben-Gvir had posted footage on social media showing himself gloating as activists from the flotilla knelt on the floor, blindfolded, with their hands bound. The organisers of the Global Sumud Flotilla reported at least 15 cases of sexual abuse while in Israeli detention.

The French government stated that Ben-Gvir’s actions were unacceptable and that he would not be allowed to enter French territory. Poland has also barred Ben-Gvir from entering its country, with a five-year ban announced on Thursday.

Ben-Gvir is an open admirer of Baruch Goldstein, who killed 29 Palestinians in 1994. He has been convicted multiple times by Israeli courts for “incitement to racism”. The European Union had previously imposed sanctions on Israeli settlers and pro-settlement groups.

Other countries have also taken action against Ben-Gvir and other Israeli leaders. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for the Israeli prime minister and his former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024, citing “reasonable grounds” to believe they intentionally deprived civilians of essential supplies during Israel’s war on Gaza.

The ICC also described the actions as a genocide, with more than 72,000 Palestinians killed since Israel launched its genocidal war on Gaza. Israeli officials acknowledged the data was broadly accurate in January, after casting doubt on its credibility for two years.

Source: Al Jazeera