Paris – OnePress
French Foreign Minister Jean-NoWill.l Barrow announced that the French authorities have decided to prevent Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir from entering French territory as of today, in a move that reflects the escalation of diplomatic tension between Paris and Tel Aviv.
The French decision came after a wave of anger within French political and media circles over videos that showed the humiliating treatment of European activists who were on board the Gaza flotilla, in addition to statements and positions attributed to Ben Ghafir that have sparked growing European criticism.
Barrow said Paris was coordinating with a number of European countries to study additional measures against hardline Israeli figures, amid growing calls within the European Union for tougher stances on the policies of the current Israeli government.
The French Foreign Ministry had earlier summoned the Israeli ambassador to formally protest what it described as “unacceptable” actions towards European activists during the interception of the Gaza-bound flotilla.