France Bans Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich from Entering Its Territory

Paris, MINA – The French government has banned Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from entering its territory as part of sanctions against parties deemed responsible for the expansion of illegal settlements and rising settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the ban was imposed alongside sanctions against four leaders of settler organizations and 21 settlers accused of involvement in acts of violence in the West Bank.

The policy was announced together with several allied countries, namely the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway, as reported by Al-Jazeera on Wednesday.

According to the French government, Smotrich openly supports the annexation of the West Bank, the construction of new Jewish settlements, and the idea of reviving Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip. Paris considers these policies to be contrary to international efforts to achieve a two-state solution for Palestine and Israel.

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Smotrich is a key figure in the coalition government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He is known as a right-wing figure who often makes controversial statements regarding Palestine and supports the expansion of Israeli settlements in occupied territories.

France’s move adds to the list of countries taking action against senior Israeli officials. Previously, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was also banned from entering France after drawing criticism for his attitude toward humanitarian aid ship activists heading to Gaza. Several other European countries, including Ireland and Slovenia, have also imposed similar restrictions on both ministers.

The decision by Paris is seen as a signal of increasing European diplomatic pressure on Israeli policies in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Amid the ongoing war in Gaza and rising settler violence in the West Bank, several Western countries have begun taking firmer steps against individuals and groups considered to be hindering the peace process and the two-state solution.[]

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Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)