France Bans National Security Minister Ben-Gvir from French Territory Over Flotilla Activist Treatment

French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced on May 23, 2026 (Day 955) an immediate travel ban barring Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering all French territory. The ban was imposed citing Ben-Gvir's 'reprehensible actions' toward detained flotilla activists, referring to his posting of footage showing bound and kneeling activists at Ashdod Port following the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla on May 18–19. France joined a growing bloc of European nations taking punitive diplomatic steps against Israel: Italy had called for EU-level sanctions discussions against Ben-Gvir, multiple European countries had summoned Israeli ambassadors, and Turkey had recalled its ambassador from Tel Aviv following the deportation of 422 flotilla activists on May 22. Ben-Gvir remained in his government post as a key coalition partner despite growing international pressure on Prime Minister Netanyahu to dismiss him.