French authorities have denied entry to Yossi Dagan, a prominent Israeli settler representative and member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party. Dagan was detained and questioned at a Paris airport last week upon his arrival before being informed of an administrative ban preventing his entry into the country.
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the measure was taken due to Dagan's active role in promoting settlement policies in the occupied West Bank. A ministry spokesperson stated that building such settlements is contrary to international law and serves to undermine the prospects for a two-state solution.
Dagan’s office acknowledged the incident, stating that he was pulled aside at passport control and subsequently barred from the territory. Despite the ban, Dagan expressed that he remains undeterred and stated he is proud of his work in building what he described as the historic homeland of the Jewish people.
The Israeli foreign ministry issued a strong rebuke on Wednesday, labelling the French government’s actions as "completely unacceptable." Israeli officials argued that the measures against Dagan were based on "political and ideological grounds" and confirmed that Israel would demand an explanation from Paris while considering its next steps.
This development occurs amid increasing friction between Israel and several European nations over the growth of settlements in the West Bank. France is part of a group of 12 countries that announced intentions to restrict trade with these settlements in September. Furthermore, a French parliamentary committee recently approved a bill to ban the import of goods and services linked to settlement construction, with further legislative discussions expected on November 19.
Key facts
- Yossi Dagan is the head of an organisation representing settlements in the occupied West Bank.
- French authorities detained and questioned Dagan at a Paris airport before denying him entry.
- The French Foreign Ministry stated the ban is due to Dagan's active role in implementing settlement policies.
- France has previously banned other senior Israeli figures, including ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, earlier this year.
- According to the watchdog Peace Now, there are approximately 148 illegal settlements in the West Bank and 15 in occupied East Jerusalem.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the intensifying diplomatic tension between Israel and France regarding the expansion of settlements in Palestinian territories. As France moves toward potentially restricting trade with these settlements, the restriction of prominent figures like Dagan signals a hardening of the European stance against the current settlement policy.
Background
According to Peace Now, there are currently about 750,000 Israelis living in 148 illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank and 15 in occupied East Jerusalem.
Source: Al Jazeera, Hindustan Times
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