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France on Thursday reiterated its condemnation of the actions and rhetoric of Israeli far-right ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir but declined to follow Canada and the UK in imposing sanctions, citing the need for a European consensus.

“We have always condemned the excessive remarks of Mr. Smotrich,” said French Foreign Ministry spokesman Christophe Lemoine during a press briefing in Paris.

Referring to Ben Gvir’s controversial visit to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, he added: “It was an unacceptable provocation.”

When pressed on why France has not imposed similar sanctions, Lemoine emphasized, “France has already taken sanctions against violent settlers in the West Bank,” and described Israel’s settlement policy as “illegal under international law.”

However, on the issue of ministerial sanctions, he remained cautious: "This is a discussion we must have at 27,” referring to the EU member states.

“We are working within a European framework," he added.

Lemoine acknowledged that France has the legal tools for national-level sanctions.

“We already have 56 administrative bans in place,” he said but did not indicate whether any would target Israeli officials.

His remarks came hours after Sweden publicly supported EU sanctions against Smotrich and Ben Gvir.

Commenting on the upcoming UN-backed conference on the two-state solution, co-organized by France and Saudi Arabia in New York, Lemoine defended the initiative, saying it was “legitimate and necessary.”

Asked about US warnings that participation could be seen as hostile to Israel, he did not confirm whether France faced diplomatic pressure, saying only: "France will continue to work for peace within the framework of international law."

On arms exports to Israel, following a complaint filed by human rights groups accusing French companies of complicity in war crimes, Lemoine declined to respond directly.

He pointed instead to past statements from President Emmanuel Macron and Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu, who has said: “France only exports strictly defensive equipment to Israel, including components for the Iron Dome.”

In response to Anadolu’s question about the Madleen humanitarian flotilla intercepted by Israel, Lemoine confirmed France’s involvement: “We have ensured consular support for the six French nationals on board.”

Among them was French MEP Rima Hassan, who was placed in isolation and is expected to be deported on Thursday.

The ministry did not condemn her arrest, nor the detention of journalist Yanis Mhamdi, whom Israeli officials labeled an “activist.”