France bans the entry of the Israeli Finance Minister, the ultra Bezalel Smotrich
The French Government announced this Tuesday that it is banning the entry into the country of the Israeli Finance Minister, the ultranationalist Bezalel Smotrich, whom it accuses of actively promoting the annexation of the West Bank, as well as the creation of new settlements.
In a message in ‘X’, the Foreign Minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, has indicated that this measure is included in a new package of sanctions against settlers in the West Bank also supported by the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Norway. Ireland had already announced last Friday the ban on entry of Smotrich – leader of Religious Zionism – but also of the Israeli Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir.
“On a national basis, we have prohibited access to our territory by Minister Bezalel Smotrich, four leaders of settler organizations and 21 violent settlers,” said Barrot. For the head of French diplomacy, Smotrich “actively promotes the annexation of the West Bank, openly demands the creation of new settlements in the West Bank, the recolonization of Gaza, the economic collapse of the Palestinian Authority and its harmful consequences for the Palestinian population.” “This is a policy that cannot be accepted by the overwhelming majority of the international community, firmly committed to the two-state solution,” he added.
In a joint statement released by Barrot, the six countries “strongly” demanded that the Israeli Government take measures to ensure that the perpetrators of the violence in the West Bank are truly brought to justice.
“The Israeli government must ensure that each attack quickly results in a thorough investigation, take action against outposts and organizations fueling violence, and stop incitement to violence.” (EFE)
