France Denies Entry to Israeli Council Head Over West Bank Settlement Activity
Translated & summarized from Haaretz by baba
France denied entry to Yossi Dagan, head of the Shomron Regional Council, because of his role in building West Bank settlements. Dagan was stopped and questioned at Paris airport last week. He subsequently traveled to Prague for meetings and reported strong support. Dagan is a prominent figure in settlement expansion and holds influence within Israel's Likud party and with U.S. Republican figures.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- France banned Yossi Dagan, head of the Shomron Regional Council, from entering due to settlement activity.
- Dagan was stopped and questioned by immigration authorities upon arrival at Paris airport.
- He stated he is proud of his role in building settlements in the West Bank.
- Dagan proceeded to Prague for meetings with Czech government officials.
- Military officials have warned Dagan's settlement project could impact Central Command's security.
- Dagan maintains influence within Israel's Likud party and with U.S. Republican leaders.
France denied entry to Yossi Dagan, head of the Shomron Regional Council, due to his involvement in building settlements in the West Bank, the council announced. Immigration authorities in Paris stopped Dagan at Charles de Gaulle Airport last week, informing him of the ban. According to Dagan, the prohibition stems from his role in "building communities in Judea and Samaria, including a return to Gush Katif." He was questioned by an officer who presented documents barring his entry because of his position.
Dagan stated he is "proud to be a Jew and a Zionist and to build the historic homeland of the Jewish people. Proud to be on the right side of history." He then traveled to Prague for a three-day series of meetings with Czech government, Senate, and Parliament members, where he reported receiving "tremendous support."
Dagan is a leading figure in the initiative to renew settlements in the northern West Bank since the 2005 disengagement. Military officials have warned that this extensive settlement project "will change the entire security concept of the Central Command," as previously reported by Haaretz.
Dagan wields significant influence within the Likud party, leading a faction called "My Likud" and serving as a key party organizer. He also cultivates external relationships, particularly in Europe and the United States. He has fostered ties with senior Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, the third-highest official in the U.S. government. Johnson met Dagan in Ariel, marking the highest-ranking U.S. official visit to the West Bank, and again in Washington.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee presented Dagan with an "honorary citizen of the Shomron" award, similar to those given to other Republican lawmakers and evangelicals. Dagan also sought to engage then-President Donald Trump, encouraging his re-election and meeting with administration advisors. He spoke at an event at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, and last year Dagan named a viewpoint near the Peduel settlement after Trump, an action Trump acknowledged on social media.
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