France Bans Israeli Finance Minister Over Settlement Plans

A new wave of sanctions has hit the European Union as France joins a growing list of countries banning Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The move follows similar actions by the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Norway, all of which have targeted officials who push for expansion in the West Bank, Gaza and beyond. French Foreign Minister Jean‑Noël Barrot said Smotrich “actively promotes the annexation of the West Bank and new settlements there. ” He added that the minister’s plans for Gaza “will create economic collapse for the Palestinian Authority and harm its people. ” The ban is part of a broader effort to curb what France calls “settlement activity and violence” in the occupied territories.Smotrich, who has called Gaza a “real estate bonanza, ” is also known for his hardline stance on the Palestinian question. He has openly discussed talks with U. S. officials about how to divide Gaza after a forced exit of Palestinians, according to local media reports. Israel’s foreign ministry blasted the sanctions as “disgraceful, ” noting that while the government condemns settler violence, it rarely holds leaders accountable. The statement echoed earlier criticism from Britain, which also questioned the legitimacy of similar measures. The ban is a clear signal that most of the international community, which largely supports a two‑state solution, will not tolerate actions that threaten peace and stability in the region. By targeting individual leaders, France aims to pressure Israel into reconsidering its settlement policies and to prevent further escalation.