France says West Bank settler attacks justify ban on Israeli minister Ben-Gvir
French foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot condemned recent settler violence in the West Bank and said it validates France's ban on Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, hinting at further sanctions against settlers.
On Wednesday, French foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot denounced the recent assaults by Israeli settlers on Palestinians in the West Bank, calling the incidents "utterly disgraceful." He argued that the attacks justify France's May decision to ban Israeli far-right police minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from French territory, adding that Ben-Gvir's recent comments were unacceptable and inhuman. Barrot also indicated that France could impose new sanctions on settlers who take part in the violence.
This follows a coordinated June move by Britain, Canada, France and Norway to sanction Israeli networks that finance or enable West Bank attacks. Israel's foreign ministry dismissed those measures, accusing the sanctioning governments of failing to control antisemitism and of stoking it. The dispute unfolds amid ongoing controversy over Israeli settlements, which most countries and UN bodies deem illegal, though Israel disputes that assessment.
Why it matters
The story shows how European nations are using sanctions to pressure Israel over settler violence, affecting diplomatic relations.
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