French immigration authorities prevented the entry of Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, during a visit to Paris last week. Dagan was detained for questioning at the airport and informed that he was banned from entering France.
French officials noted his role in the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and in promoting the renewal of Jewish settlement in Gush Katif of Gaza. Dagan said in response: "I am proud to be a Jew and a Zionist and to build the historic homeland of the Jewish people."
Following the refusal, Dagan went to Prague for meetings with senior Czech officials, who expressed support for the Israeli settlement communities. French authorities have not publicly explained the decision.