France forbids Smotrich from entering its territory

• France banned Smotrich from entering its territory due to his policy in Judea and Samaria and Gaza.
• France, Great Britain and other countries imposed sanctions on “those responsible for the violence in the West Bank”.
• The British Foreign Minister: “The sanctions will disrupt the flow of funding to extremist groups.”
• About two weeks ago: France banned Ben Gabir from entering its territory

France has imposed sanctions on Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and prohibits his entry into its territory, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barro announced today (Tuesday). In his announcement, he stated that the severe prohibitions are also imposed on four heads of settler organizations, and 21 “violent settlers”, according to the language of the announcement.

“Bezalel Smotrich actively promoted the annexation of the West Bank, the reoccupation of Gaza, the economic collapse of the Palestinian Authority and its devastating results for the Palestinian population,” said Barrow. “This is an unacceptable policy for the majority of the international community, which remains committed to the two-state solution.”

At the same time, France, Great Britain, Australia, Norway, New Zealand and Canada imposed new sanctions on “those responsible for aggravating colonization and violence in the West Bank”. In the announcement published by the French Foreign Minister on his behalf and on behalf of the other countries, he did not specify who those “responsible” who were sanctioned are.

“The sanctions imposed today on those parties include asset freezes where relevant and travel bans,” said British Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper. “These sanctions will disrupt the flow of funding that allows radical settler groups to operate with impunity in the West Bank, and also demonstrate Britain’s commitment to the two-state solution.”

About two and a half weeks ago, Barrow announced that as of today the Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gabir was banned from entering French territory. The announcement comes after he humiliated flotilla activists who made their way to Gaza and caused an uproar in the world.

“As of today, Itamar Ben Gabir is banned from entering French territory,” said a statement from Barrow. “This decision was made following his unacceptable actions towards French and European citizens who were in the flotilla to Gaza. We oppose the initiative of this flotilla, which does not bring any practical benefit and burdens the diplomatic and consular services, whose professionalism and dedication I would like to express appreciation for. But we cannot accept that French citizens will be subjected to threats, intimidation or violent treatment – and more from a public figure.”

Let’s recall that Great Britain, Australia, Canada, Norway and New Zealand imposed sanctions on Smotrich and Ben Gvir already a year ago.