France Bars Israeli Settler Leader Yossi Dagan Over West Bank Activity

France's Foreign Ministry confirmed last week that Yossi Dagan, the head of the Shomron Regional Council, was denied entry into the country due to his involvement in West Bank settlements. The ministry stated that Dagan is subject to an administrative entry ban for his "active part in implementing settlement policy in the West Bank," deeming settlement activities "contrary to international law and undermining the two-state solution."

This action follows earlier decisions by France in June to ban entry for Minister Bezalel Smotrich, four "senior figures in settler organizations," and 21 "violent settlers." A week prior, France had also barred Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The names of the senior settler organization figures were not disclosed.

In response to an inquiry about whether all individuals involved in settlement activities would now be barred, France indicated that such administrative bans are determined on a case-by-case basis. A French official declined to confirm if Dagan was among the four named figures, citing the list's confidentiality.

Israeli officials expressed strong disapproval, calling the ban on an "elected, law-abiding Israeli public representative" unacceptable and politically motivated. Israel plans to demand explanations from the French government and consider its next steps. The Foreign Ministry stated that Israel views the decision with severity and will respond accordingly.

Separately, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced an entry ban for French left-wing party leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon due to his anti-Israel statements. Dagan was informed of the entry refusal upon his arrival in Paris last week, with immigration authorities citing his role in building settlements in the West Bank, including the return to Gush Katif. Dagan stated he was proud to be a Jew and Zionist building their historic homeland. He later traveled to Prague, where he met with officials who reportedly told him that settlements protect Europe. France, along with Britain and Canada, is also planning to ban imports from the West Bank.