France bans Israeli minister Ben-Gvir over flotilla abuse

France has banned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering its territory, as a growing number of countries condemn the alleged abuse of activists detained from a humanitarian flotilla bound for Gaza. The decision, announced by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Saturday, follows a video Ben-Gvir posted on social media showing dozens of blindfolded and bound activists kneeling at the Port of Ashdod.

Israeli naval forces intercepted the flotilla’s vessels in international waters off Cyprus in mid-May, detaining approximately 430 volunteers from 40 countries who were attempting to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. The activists spent several days in detention before being deported. Barrot stated the ban was a direct response to Ben-Gvir’s actions toward French and European citizens on the flotilla, adding that France cannot tolerate its nationals being threatened or intimidated by a public official.

The footage prompted diplomatic protests from several nations, including Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Canada, and Ireland, which summoned Israeli ambassadors to condemn the treatment of the detainees. Canada has already imposed a travel ban and...