Smotrich scraps Paris trip amid security concerns

On Tuesday, a spokesperson for "Israeli" Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that he would not be traveling to Paris this week, contrary to prior expectations, Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported.

The far-right minister was slated to appear at the Israel Forever Foundation gala, pro-"Israel" event organized by conservative groups in Paris on Wednesday. The event has drawn criticism from left-wing organizations and activist groups who attempted to cancel it, though they were unsuccessful.

Efraim David, Smotrich’s spokesperson, told reporters that “no visit to Paris is scheduled,” putting an end to speculation over his travel plans. However, the possibility remains that Smotrich will participate virtually in the event, keeping him involved despite his physical absence.

The French Foreign Ministry had previously stated they had not received confirmation of the "Israeli" minister’s visit. In an interview with local media, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot clarified that Smotrich’s arrival was still uncertain. This clarification came amid rising concerns in France over heightened tensions associated with recent regional events.

French authorities have marked both the event and a scheduled football match between France and "Israel" as “high-risk,” with concerns fueled by recent violent clashes in Amsterdam during a game between "Israel's" Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax.

The potential presence of Smotrich—a vocal advocate of annexing parts of the West Bank—was seen as likely to further inflame public sentiment, especially given his recent statements.

Earlier this week, Smotrich controversially voiced intentions to press for formal annexation of West Bank settlements by 2025, a move viewed by many internationally as a violation of international law. He also alluded to the return of former US President Donald Trump as a favorable political opportunity for his agenda.