Paris:French authorities have refused entry to Yossi Dagan, a prominent Israeli settler leader, during his visit to Paris. Upon his arrival at one of the city's airports, Dagan was detained and questioned by French immigration authorities before being informed of the decision to deny him entry into the country.
According to Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA – English, during the questioning, French officials presented documents highlighting Dagan's involvement in the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. The documents also outlined his efforts to promote a return to former colonies in the Gaza Strip.
Dagan, who heads the Shomron Regional Council, was taken by surprise by the decision. Following his detention, he proceeded to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, to continue his tour and engage in meetings with officials there.
In July, Dagan was instrumental in securing an 8.5 billion-shekel ($2.3 billion) agreement intended to expand illegal settlements across the West Bank. This includes the construction of approximately 12,000 new housing units and extensive infrastructure projects. As reported by Amnesty International, Dagan's activities are viewed as part of an ethnic cleansing campaign that violates international law and seeks to entrench Israel's control over Palestinian territories.