France bans Israeli minister Ben-Gvir over Gaza taunt video

France has declared Israeli far-right Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir persona non grata, barring him from French territory effective immediately. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced the ban on X on Saturday (May 23, 2026), citing growing international anger over Ben-Gvir's conduct. He also called on the European Union, alongside Italy, to impose collective sanctions on the minister. The move follows Ben-Gvir posting a video of himself taunting activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla—a humanitarian flotilla attempting to deliver aid to Gaza—who were shown being physically pinned to the ground by Israeli security forces.

The incident sparked widespread condemnation from Western governments. Several activists, after being released by Israeli authorities, arrived in Rome on Saturday and alleged they had been physically assaulted while in detention. Israel's prison services denied these allegations. The flotilla's attempt to breach the naval blockade on Gaza has previously drawn diplomatic friction. Ben-Gvir, known for his hardline anti-Palestinian rhetoric and policies, has frequently provoked international backlash. The French ban, alongside the push for EU sanctions, signals a significant escalation in European diplomatic pressure on Israel over its treatment of humanitarian activists and its broader conduct in the Gaza conflict.