Barrot explained that the well-known Israeli ultranationalist is barred from entering France because of his actions to boost the annexation of the West Bank and the establishment of new settlements in occupied Palestinian territories.

The measure was coordinated with five other countries (the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Norway, and New Zealand) and also includes some twenty violent settlers, the same source noted.

Smotrich “actively boosts the annexation of the West Bank, which he openly claims, the creation of new settlements in the West Bank, the recolonization of Gaza, and the economic collapse of the Palestinian National Authority,” Barrot emphasized on the X network.

The French Foreign Minister stated that “this is a policy that the overwhelming majority of the international community cannot accept.”

In addition to France, Ireland announced an entry ban for Smotrich, leader of Religious Zionism, as well as for Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir.

Similarly, the Australian government announced new sanctions on three Israeli citizens and four entities linked to violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

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