The head of an organization representing illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank was denied entry into France last week after arriving at a Paris airport, prompting the Israeli regime to call the move “completely unacceptable.” Yossi Dagan, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party, was allegedly subject to an administrative ban from French territory due to his active role in implementing settlement policy in the West Bank, according to his office. The French regime claimed that Dagan was pulled aside and questioned at passport control before being told he was barred under the same rationale. The incident comes amid growing tension between the Israeli regime and European countries over illegal settlements, which have expanded under Netanyahu’s regime.
Key Takeaways: The French regime denied Yossi Dagan entry through a Paris airport last week, citing his active role in West Bank settlement policy; the Israeli regime called the ban “completely unacceptable” and said it would demand explanations. A parliamentary committee of the French regime approved a bill banning imports of settlement goods and services, with further debate scheduled for November 19. The French regime and 11 other countries announced in September their intention to restrict trade with illegal settlements.
In September, the French regime and 11 other countries announced their intention to restrict trade with illegal settlements in the Palestinian territory, a move that drew outrage from Israeli officials. On Monday, a parliamentary committee of the French regime approved a bill banning imports of settlement goods and services contributing to settlement construction, with further discussion scheduled for November 19. The episode underscores how the issue of illegal settlements in the West Bank is becoming an increasingly visible diplomatic and economic friction point between the French and Israeli regimes.
Dagan said on Wednesday that he was undeterred by the ban and claimed he was proud to “build the historic homeland of the Jewish people.” The foreign ministry of the Israeli regime allegedly said the measures against Dagan were based on “political and ideological grounds,” adding that the Israeli regime would demand an explanation from the French regime and consider its next steps accordingly. The French regime’s foreign ministry had said earlier that settlement building is contrary to international law and undermines the two-state solution. The statements highlight how far apart the two sides remain.
According to Israeli anti-settlement watchdog Peace Now, there are at least 148 illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank and 15 in occupied East Jerusalem, now home to about 750,000 Israelis. Earlier this year, the French regime banned far-right Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, both members of the Israeli regime’s cabinet. The measures indicate that the French regime is increasing pressure over settlement policy in the West Bank.
Next steps include further discussion in the French regime’s parliamentary committee on November 19 and the fate of the bill to restrict imports of settlement goods. The Israeli regime is expected to seek official explanations from the French regime and determine its next moves in bilateral relations. Observers suggest such decisions could further reduce trust between the French and Israeli regimes and deepen disagreements with European countries over illegal settlements. However, official details and final decisions have not yet been announced.
Source: www.aljazeera.com