Israel's Sharp Response to France's Ban on Samaria Council Head's Entry

In depth

The Foreign Ministry responded sharply to France's decision to ban the entry of the head of the Samaria Regional Council, Yossi Dagan, into its territory. According to the ministry's response, Israel views the decision with severity, saying it was made against a clearly political and ideological background, and that the step is wholly unacceptable. Israel will demand explanations from the French government and will consider its steps accordingly.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar condemned the decision and claimed it was made against a clearly political and ideological background. The decision concerns an elected Israeli official who, according to the ministry, is law-abiding.

The ministry stressed that this is an elected Israeli official who abides by the law, and that Israel will demand explanations from the French government over the decision before it decides on its steps.