France has decided to expel Israeli Minister of Internal Security Itamar Bengvir from its territory, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced on Saturday.
The minister added that the decision was a response to the humiliating treatment of Gaza flotilla activists, which has sparked international outrage. Several activists criticized the fact that they suffered „violent acts, beatings and humiliation” at the hands of Israeli soldiers during their detention.
„"From today, Itamár Bengvír cannot enter French territory"”
– wrote Barrot on X.
He added that he and his Italian colleague are asking the European Union to also impose sanctions against Bengvír, given the unspeakable treatment of French and European Union citizens.
„"We are refuting the flotilla's move, which has no useful effect and only overloads the diplomatic and consular services"”
– added the minister. „"However, we cannot tolerate French citizens being threatened, intimidated or grossly abused in this way, and especially by a government leader."”. These actions „continuations of a long list of shocking statements and actions against Palestinians, incitement to hatred and violence” Barrot continued.
The ultranationalist, far-right Homeland Security Minister released a video on Wednesday depicting and mocking activists of the Global Sumud Flotilla, who were captured and detained at sea while en route to Gaza, in a humiliating situation.
In the footage, Bengvir waves an Israeli flag in front of them, shouts to them, "Welcome to Israel, we are the masters here," then tells them that the people of Israel are alive, and tells the security forces not to be affected by the prisoners' shouting. In the footage, the captured pro-Palestinian activists kneel with their hands tied behind their backs while the Israeli anthem is played to them. Bengvir's actions have also been criticized within the Israeli government.
Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the treatment, which "does not conform to Israeli values and norms.".
Last week, about fifty ships set off from Turkey in a renewed attempt to break the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip. On Monday, Israeli authorities intercepted another flotilla of ships in international waters near Cyprus and announced the arrest of 430 activists, including 37 French nationals. All of them were deported on Thursday.
Featured image: Itamar Bengvír, Israeli Minister of National Security who leads the ultranationalist Jewish Power (Otzma Yehudit) party (Photo: Atef Safadi/MTI/MTVA)
