Paris, June 9 -- France has barred Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from entering the country, citing his support for policies linked to settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank and opposition to a two-state solution.

The move was announced on Tuesday, June 9, by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, who said France was acting alongside the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Norway in a coordinated effort to address settler violence and activities undermining prospects for peace.

In a post on X, Barrot said the restrictions also apply to four leaders of settler organisations and 21 individuals accused of involvement in violent acts in the West Bank.

He accused Smotrich of advocating the annexation of ...