France Denies Entry to Israeli Official Over Settlement Activity

French immigration authorities denied entry to Yossi Dagan, the head of the Samaria Regional Council, at Paris airport last week. Dagan was reportedly detained for an extended interrogation before being presented with documents explaining the refusal. Sources familiar with the incident told i24 that the denial was based on his position, the construction of 35 settlements in Samaria, and his activities encouraging Israelis to return to Gush Katif. Dagan stated for the record, "I am proud to be a Jew and a Zionist, and to be building the historical homeland of the Jewish people. I am proud to be on the right side of history." The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed an administrative entry ban, citing Dagan's "active role in the policy of settlement construction in the West Bank." The ministry stated that settlement activity "contradicts international law and undermines the two-state solution." Following the incident, Dagan traveled to Prague, where he held meetings with Czech government, Senate, and Parliament officials over three days. He emphasized that Samaria is essential for Israel's existence. Andrej Knopek, Chairman of the ruling faction in the Czech Parliament in the European Parliament, stated that Israeli sovereignty in the region is significant for Israelis, Europe, and the Western world. Deputy Chairman of the Czech Senate, Jiří Oberfalzer, expressed support for the residents of Samaria, and MP Miroslav Janulík conveyed thanks from the Czech Parliament. Dagan shared these details on his Facebook account.