French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced that Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has been banned from entering France due to his radical views and settlement policies. The decision also applies to four leaders of settler organizations and 21 settlers, further deepening the diplomatic crisis between Paris and Tel Aviv.
A major development likely to strain diplomatic relations between France and Israel emerged on Tuesday. In an official statement, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced that Bezalel Smotrich, known for his far-right and radical positions, would be prohibited from entering French territory. With this move, France has become one of the leading European countries to impose sanctions on senior Israeli officials over Middle East policy issues.
Barrot Announces the Decision on Social Media: Four Organization Leaders and 21 Settlers Also Banned
Sharing details of the sanctions on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Barrot emphasized the broad scope of the measures. He stated:
“At the national level, we have banned Minister Bezalel Smotrich, four leaders of settlement organizations, and 21 settlers from entering our territory.”
The decision is viewed as one of the clearest indications of Paris’s opposition to settlement activities in the West Bank.
Reasons Behind the Ban: Annexation of the West Bank and Colonization of Gaza
The French Foreign Ministry outlined the reasons behind the unprecedented measure against Smotrich. According to Barrot, the decision was based on Smotrich’s active advocacy and support for the annexation of the West Bank, the establishment of new illegal settlements in occupied territories, the colonization of the Gaza Strip, and efforts aimed at economically weakening the Palestinian Authority.
A Second Shock in Paris–Tel Aviv Relations: Ben-Gvir Was Also Banned
France’s sanctions against Israeli ministers are not limited to Smotrich. Last May, Paris imposed a similar entry ban on Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, citing alleged mistreatment and acts of violence against members of the Sumud humanitarian aid flotilla.
Israeli settlement expansion continues to be regarded by the international community and the European Union as one of the main obstacles to peace efforts and regional stability.