France Denies Entry to Samaria Council Head Over Settlement Policy

French authorities have banned Yossi Dagan, the head of the Samaria Regional Council, from entering France, where he had planned to hold meetings with elected officials. The incident, which occurred last week, saw Dagan denied entry at Charles de Gaulle Airport. French immigration services informed him of an existing entry ban, a move confirmed by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A ministry statement cited Dagan's "active participation in the implementation of settlement policy in the West Bank," asserting that such activities "contradict international law and undermine the solution to the conflict on the basis of the two-state principle."

Dagan recounted that upon arrival, he was stopped at passport control and taken for additional screening. He was shown documents indicating the ban was due to his position, his settlement construction activities in Judea and Samaria, and his efforts to re-establish an Israeli presence in Gush Katif. Dagan stated the French officer mentioned the decision was made in May or June and that he corrected the officer's assertion about the number of settlements being built, stating "not 35, but 50."

When asked for a response, Dagan said he expressed pride in being Jewish and Zionist, and in building the "historical homeland of the Jewish people," stating he was "on the right side of history." The officer reportedly replied, "I respect you, but I must do my job." Dagan was then placed on a return flight to Israel.

Following the French refusal, Dagan traveled to Prague, where he met with Czech government, Senate, and Parliament representatives. Dagan told the Czech officials that Judea and Samaria are crucial for the security of both Israel and Europe.

Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned France's decision, calling it "absolutely unacceptable" and motivated by "explicit political and ideological reasons." Israel stated it would demand explanations from the French government and consider its response.