France has banned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering French territory after he posted a video mocking and taunting bound activists from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced the decision on Saturday, citing Ben-Gvir's "reprehensible actions" towards French and European citizens aboard the vessel. Barrot also called, jointly with Italy, for EU-level sanctions against the minister.
The video, posted by Ben-Gvir on Wednesday and captioned "Welcome to Israel", showed dozens of activists kneeling on the deck of a military vessel with their hands bound behind their backs and their faces pressed to the ground, as the Israeli national anthem played. Ben-Gvir was seen walking among them, waving an Israeli flag and heckling the detainees. In one sequence, a woman was forced to the ground after shouting "Free, free Palestine." The clip sparked immediate and widespread international condemnation. The Global Sumud Flotilla — a convoy of around 50 vessels that had departed from Turkey carrying humanitarian aid — was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters near Cyprus earlier in the week. Approximately 430 activists were detained and brought to Israel before being deported; several reportedly sustained injuries, including broken ribs and lost teeth.
The response from governments across Europe and beyond was swift. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called the images "unacceptable" and vowed to push for Ben-Gvir's entry ban to be extended across the entire EU. The United Kingdom summoned Israel's most senior diplomat in London, with Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper describing herself as "truly appalled" and demanding an explanation from Israeli authorities. Germany's foreign ministry said it expected a full account of reports of injuries to German nationals among the deported activists. European Council President António Costa and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas both condemned the treatment as degrading, with Kallas stating that Ben-Gvir's conduct was "unbecoming of anyone holding office in a democracy." Australia, which has already sanctioned Ben-Gvir, and New Zealand also lodged formal protests. Even US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee denounced what he called the minister's "despicable actions."
Ben-Gvir, a far-right politician with at least eight criminal convictions including incitement to racism and support for a designated terrorist organisation, has long been a deeply polarising figure. He drew his early political inspiration from the Kach movement, founded by the late extremist Rabbi Meir Kahane and designated a terrorist organisation by both Israel and the United States. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu distanced himself from his minister's conduct, stating it did not reflect Israel's norms and values, while Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar also criticised Ben-Gvir — a notable sign of internal discord. Analysts note, however, that Ben-Gvir appears to thrive on such condemnation, presenting himself to his base as a leader who refuses to bow to Western pressure.
The flotilla incident has reignited debate about Israel's naval blockade of Gaza and the treatment of foreign nationals who challenge it. Under international maritime law, states generally have no jurisdiction to board vessels in international waters, a point raised by several governments protesting the interception. The broader episode has also renewed calls within the EU for a more coordinated response to Israeli ministers whose conduct is deemed incompatible with democratic norms — a discussion that may gain new momentum as France and Italy formally push the matter onto the EU agenda.