“Israel views with grave concern France’s decision to bar the entry of a law-abiding Israeli elected official on clearly political and ideological grounds. This is a completely unacceptable measure, and Israel will demand explanations from the French government and will consider its next steps accordingly.”
Dagan was stopped by immigration authorities upon arriving in Paris and informed that he would not be permitted to enter the country. The restriction was reportedly connected to his activities supporting Jewish construction and community development in the West Bank.
During questioning, a French officer reportedly referred to Dagan’s position as head of the Samaria Regional Council and his efforts to expand Jewish communities in the territory. His advocacy for restoring Jewish communities in Gush Katif, in the Gaza Strip, was also reportedly raised as grounds for denying him entry.
Asked to make a statement for the official record, Dagan replied: “I am proud to be a Jew and a Zionist who builds our historic homeland.”
Dagan, who has headed the Samaria Regional Council since 2015, has campaigned for the extension of Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank and the expansion of Jewish communities there.
His involvement in settlement advocacy followed his evacuation from Sa-Nur, a northern West Bank community dismantled during Israel’s 2005 disengagement. He subsequently became an advocate for rebuilding communities removed under that plan.
After the October 7 massacre, Dagan also called for renewed Jewish settlement in Gaza, including the restoration of communities formerly located in Gush Katif.
French opposition to Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank has been a longstanding source of disagreement between Paris and Jerusalem.
Source: Iwpost.com
