France Sparks Diplomatic Row With Israel by Denying Entry to Prominent Settler Leader

France has ignited a new diplomatic dispute with the Israeli government after denying entry to a prominent Israeli settler. The French Foreign Ministry confirmed that Yossi Dagan, who heads an Israeli government body responsible for settlement development in the occupied West Bank, was prohibited from entering France. The Israeli foreign ministry reacted strongly, denouncing the ban as "completely unacceptable." The ministry stated that Mr. Dagan has been instrumental in "implementing the policy of settlement in the West Bank" and that such "settlement activity is contrary to international law and undermines the two-state solution." This ban on Mr. Dagan had not been publicly disclosed by French authorities until now. Since 2024, Paris has reportedly banned 59 Israelis associated with the settler movement. While most of these individuals' names have not been released, exceptions include Israeli minister Bezalel Smotrich, banned in June, and Itamar Ben-Gvir, banned in May. Mr. Dagan is known to be closely aligned with these two ministers. The ban on Mr. Smotrich, along with similar actions by several other EU countries, Australia, Canada, and the UK, followed an outcry over the alleged mistreatment of European activists on a flotilla bound for Gaza, after their arrest at sea by Israeli authorities. According to The Times of Israel, Mr. Dagan was reportedly detained by border officials upon his arrival at a Paris airport on Wednesday. He was informed that his entry was denied due to his role in establishing 35 settlements in the northern West Bank and for promoting the re-establishment of Jewish settlements in Gaza. These entry bans have exacerbated a long-standing diplomatic tension between the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and France, as well as with other nations like the Netherlands that have adopted similar policies regarding the Israeli settler movement. Relations between France and Israel have been strained since French President Emmanuel Macron, along with ten other Western nations, recognized a Palestinian state last year. Hopes for improved relations were anticipated by Europeans following the Israeli elections in October. However, Mr. Netanyahu remains in office after indecisive election results. On Sunday, his political rival Gadi Eisenkot was given 28 days to form a government. Should he fail, Mr. Netanyahu will have an opportunity. Nevertheless, even if Mr. Eisenkot succeeds, he is not expected to significantly alter Mr. Netanyahu's pro-settlement policies in the West Bank. He also opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state, a position supported by the EU.