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France Bars Smotrich, Settlers Over West Bank Annexation Plans

6/10/2026

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Summary

France Bars Smotrich

France barred Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from entering on 9 June 2026.
The ban also covered four settler leaders and 21 accused of violent activity.
Barrot said the measures target Smotrich’s West Bank annexation and Gaza recolonisation.
Israel’s foreign ministry called the bans disgraceful, referencing the International Court of Justice’s declaration that settlements are illegal and the 2,162 new homes approved under Smotrich.

Summary

UK Warns

UK warned companies to cease ties with Israeli settler farms and outposts in the West Bank.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper pledged £10 million for the Palestinian Authority and £1 million for Gaza mine-clearance.
Canada added 19 individuals and 12 entities to sanctions for supporting extremist settler violence.
New Zealand banned Israelis Itamar Yehuda Levi, Harel David Libi and Eliav Libi for expanding illegal settlements through violence.

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France Bars Smotrich

France barred Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from entering on 9 June 2026.
The ban also covered four settler leaders and 21 accused of violent activity.
Barrot said the measures target Smotrich’s West Bank annexation and Gaza recolonisation.
Israel’s foreign ministry called the bans disgraceful, referencing the International Court of Justice’s declaration that settlements are illegal and the 2,162 new homes approved under Smotrich.

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