France Formally Bans National Security Minister Ben-Gvir from Entry Over Flotilla Abuse

The French Foreign Ministry formally imposed an entry ban on Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir on May 26, 2026, citing his 'unacceptable actions' in posting a video of himself taunting bound and kneeling flotilla activists at Ashdod Port on May 20. The French ban made France the third NATO country after Poland (5-year ban, May 21) and Canada to formally bar Ben-Gvir, joining growing international diplomatic pressure. Earlier Italy had opened a criminal investigation on kidnapping and sexual assault allegations related to flotilla detentions, and nine Western nations had issued a joint condemnation on May 22. The French action was notable given France's historically strong relationship with Israel, and signaled European governments' willingness to take individual diplomatic steps against specific Israeli officials even where EU-level action was blocked. Ben-Gvir had previously been banned from entering both Poland and banned from entry to the UK, with the Israeli ambassador summoned by London.