France sanctions Ben-Gvir over West Bank violence

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot condemned violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank, citing it as justification for France's sanctions against Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. France had previously banned Ben-Gvir from French territory in May. Barrot reiterated that additional sanctions could be imposed on Israeli settlers involved in violence. In June, Britain, Canada, France, and Norway announced coordinated sanctions against Israeli networks financing and carrying out West Bank violence, later joined by Australia and New Zealand. Israel's Foreign Ministry rejected the measures, accusing the imposing governments of failing to control antisemitism. The events also drew international scrutiny to the village of Kusra, where settlers encircled Palestinian homes, prompting IDF deployment and criticism from US Ambassador Mike Huckabee and Israeli officials. The issue reflects ongoing tensions over Israeli settlements, which most countries and UN bodies consider illegal under international law.