Dagan Says France Barred Him From Entering Country Last Week

Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, says French immigration authorities refused him entry last week when he arrived at an airport in Paris for meetings with elected officials. The account, disclosed on November 11, describes him being taken aside for questioning during passport inspection before being told he could not enter France. According to the council's account, an immigration officer showed Dagan documents connecting the restriction to his position as council head and his activity promoting Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria. Dagan said the reasons presented included building 35 communities and advocating a return to Gush Katif. Dagan defended his work and his Zionist identity in response to the refusal. “I am proud to be on the right side of history,” he said. He also expressed pride in being Jewish and Zionist and in building the Jewish people's historic homeland. After being refused admission to France, Dagan flew onward to Prague. There he held three days of meetings with members of the Czech government, Senate and parliament.