France Bans National Security Minister Ben-Gvir from Entry over Flotilla Abuse Video

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced on May 23, 2026 that France was immediately imposing a travel ban on Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir following his posting of a video showing detained Gaza flotilla activists cable-tied and kneeling with the Israeli national anthem playing. Barrot cited Ben-Gvir's 'reprehensible actions' against French and European nationals among the approximately 430 detainees. France joined Poland (which announced a 5-year ban on May 21) in formally barring the minister. Italy opened a criminal investigation into the flotilla detention — encompassing allegations of kidnapping and sexual assault made by multiple released activists in testimony to Italian authorities and media. Freed activists including German activist Nesrin Zeaiter told CNN and German press outlets they were subjected to tasers, rubber bullets, beatings causing suspected broken bones, and — in at least some accounts — alleged sexual violence. Israel Prison Service denied all such allegations. The diplomatic cascade following the flotilla interception of May 18, 2026 now involves 15+ countries that have summoned Israeli ambassadors, EU personal sanctions consultations against Ben-Gvir, and bilateral travel bans from at least two NATO members.