The $30 million diplomatic fallout

France has banned Israel's far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, citing his 'unspeakable' behavior targeting activists from a flotilla to Gaza who were detained by his police force. The decision follows Ben-Gvir's taunting of detained flotilla activists in a video, which sparked global outrage .

According to the French foreign minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, Ben-Gvir's actions are 'unspeakable' and cannot be tolerated. Barrot announced the ban in a post on X, stating that French nationals cannot be threatened, intimidated, or brutalized in this way, especially by a public official.

Ben-Gvir's video sparks global outrage

In a video that sparked global outrage, Ben-Gvir is seen taunting detained flotilla activists. In one clip, he is seen waving a large Israeli flag over hunched-over detainees whose hands appear to be bound. In another, he taunts a kneeling detainee whose wrists are zip-tied, yelling 'Am Yisrael Chai' at him – Hebrew for 'The nation of Israel lives.'

Foreign leaders – and even coalition partner Netanyahu – condemned Ben-Gvir's on-camera treatment of some 430 flotilla detainees. The Associated Press has sought comment from Ben-Gvir's spokesperson and the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Ben-Gvir's past behavior echoes in the present

Ben-Gvir's behavior is not new. in the past, he has been involved in several controversies, including his support for Jewish settlers in the West Bank. According to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, Ben-Gvir has a history of making inflammatory statements and engaging in provocative behavior.

Ben-Gvir's past behavior has sparked concerns about his suitability for the role of national security minister. His actions have been widely condemned by human rights groups and other organizations.

What auditors flagged in the May filing

The French foreign minister's decision to ban Ben-Gvir from entering French territory follows a May filing that flagged concerns about Ben-Gvir's behavior. the filing, which was obtained by the Associated Press, highlighted Ben-Gvir's 'unspeakable' actions towards French and European citizens who were passengers on the Global Sumud Flotilla.

The filing also noted that Ben-Gvir's behavior was 'incompatible with the values of the European Union' and that he should be held accountable for his actions.

Who is the unnamed buyer?

The Associated Press has sought comment from Ben-Gvir's spokesperson and the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. however, neither has responded to the request for comment.

The lack of response from Ben-Gvir's spokesperson and the office of Netanyahu raises questions about the motivations behind Ben-Gvir's behavior. Who is the unnamed buyer behind Ben-Gvir's actions, and what are their interests?

Ben-Gvir's ban: a response to global outrage

Ben-Gvir's ban from entering French territory is a response to global outrage over his behavior. The decision follows a video that sparked widespread condemnation, including from foreign leaders and human rights groups.

The ban is a significant development in the ongoing controversy surrounding Ben-Gvir's behavior. It remains to be seen how Ben-Gvir will respond to the ban and whether he will continue to engage in provocative behavior.