France bans Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from entering the country, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot says. Multiple outlets report that the decision forms part of a coordinated sanctions effort with other countries, including Britain, Canada, Australia, Norway and New Zealand. The ban targets Smotrich, described by the French government as a far-right official, and is linked to allegations that he promotes policies regarding the occupied West Bank and Gaza.
France’s stated rationale, as quoted by several sources, focuses on Smotrich’s advocacy for annexation of the West Bank, expansion of settlements there, and “recolonisation” of Gaza, along with the alleged impact of these policies on Palestinians and on the Palestinian Authority. France also says the measures are aimed at people “responsible for intensifying” settlement activity and violence in the West Bank.
One outlet adds that the broader sanctions package includes other figures, including leaders of settler organisations and violent settlers. Israel’s government and officials condemn the sanctions, according to reports, with references to the action being politically motivated and to Israel’s position on accountability for settler violence.
