Yossi Dagan, head of an organization representing illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party, was turned away at a Paris airport last week. According to Dagan’s office and French authorities, he was subject to an administrative ban from French territory due to his active role in implementing settlement policy in the occupied West Bank.
French officials stated that settlement building contradicts international law and undermines prospects for a two-state solution. Dagan was questioned at passport control and informed of the ban before being denied entry. In response, the Israeli foreign ministry characterized the French action as being based on “political and ideological grounds” and announced that Israel would demand an explanation from the French government while considering next steps.
The incident reflects escalating tensions between Israel and European nations regarding illegal settlements in Palestinian territory. In September, France joined 11 other countries in announcing intentions to restrict trade with illegal settlements. On Monday, a French parliamentary committee approved legislation banning imports of settlement goods and services used in construction activities, with additional parliamentary discussion scheduled for November 19.
According to Israeli anti-settlement organization Peace Now, at least 148 illegal settlements exist in the occupied West Bank and 15 in occupied East Jerusalem, collectively home to approximately 750,000 Israelis. France has previously taken similar measures against Israeli officials, banning far-right ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, both serving in Netanyahu’s cabinet, earlier this year.
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