France Denies Entry to Israeli Settler Leader Yossi Dagan

Yossi Dagan, the head of the Shomron Regional Council, claims that French immigration authorities denied him entry into France last week. Dagan arrived at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport for a series of political meetings and was informed during passport control that he was not permitted to enter the country. According to Dagan, the reason given was his role and activities promoting settlement construction in Judea and Samaria and initiatives to renew settlement in Gush Katif. He stated that he was subjected to a lengthy interrogation, during which an immigration officer presented him with documents regarding the entry ban and explained the decision was linked to his position and his work in advancing construction in 35 settlements in Judea and Samaria.

Dagan reported that he was asked to respond to the authorities' decision during the interrogation, and his reply was recorded. He stated, "I am proud to be a Jew and a Zionist and to build the historical homeland of the Jewish people. Proud to be on the right side of history." Following the alleged incident in France, Dagan traveled to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, where he held meetings with government officials and members of the Senate and Parliament over three days. A statement released on his behalf indicated that during his visit, he met with Czech officials who expressed support for Israeli settlement in Judea and Samaria. Andrej Kunt, identified as the chairman of the Czech ruling party's faction in the European Parliament, reportedly told Dagan, "Thank you for being the front line defending Europe. Sovereignty with you is important." Additionally, Jiri Oberfalzer, the deputy chairman of the Czech Senate, was quoted as saying, "I strengthen the residents of Shomron. I wish you success in guarding your land. We are by your side."