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Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich Banned From Entering France. France has banned Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from entering the country over his support for West Bank annexations and settlement expansion. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced the decision, saying Smotrich promotes policies that undermine efforts toward a two-state solution. Barrot said support for annexing the West Bank, creating new settlements and recolonising Gaza is unacceptable to much of the international community. The move comes as France, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway and the United Kingdom announced coordinated action targeting violent settlers. At the same time, the UK introduced sanctions against several individuals and organisations accused of financing, enabling or carrying out settler violence. The six countries said settlement expansion and the creation of outposts have continued with support from parts of the Israeli government. Israel’s Foreign Ministry condemned the measures, describing them as “disgraceful” and accusing the countries involved of pursuing anti-Israeli policies. The decision follows France’s recent ban on Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, amid growing tensions between Israel and several European allies.
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