Israel has barred Jean-Luc Mélenchon, a French far-left presidential candidate, and Mathilde Panot, his party's parliamentary leader, from entering the country.
Israel's Foreign Ministry announced the ban on Thursday, citing "the extreme anti-Israel stance of La France Insoumise party and the outrageous statements made by its leaders." The ministry accused both of spreading "blood libels" against Israel and cited Mélenchon's call for French ships to escort flotillas to Gaza. The ministry said Israel "will respond firmly to those who seek to harm it and will not allow individuals who act against Israel and incite against its citizens to enter the country."
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called the decision "demagogic" in a post on X. "This demagogic decision, coming from a government that has repeatedly violated international law, plays into the hands of those who, like La France Insoumise, thrive on exploiting the Israeli-Palestinian conflict," Barrot said. He added that France would continue working toward a two-state solution. Barrot and Mélenchon are sharp political opponents who have clashed repeatedly in the National Assembly.
Mélenchon told Franceinfo radio: "I am banned from entering a territory I did not ask to enter...I regret that the Israeli government is pursuing me like this." Panot posted on X with a Palestinian flag: "Banned from entering Israel, like Jean-Luc Mélenchon. I'm still looking for the bad news. Message to the Israeli authorities: Free Palestine!"
The ban came a day after France confirmed it had refused entry to Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council in the northern West Bank. French authorities turned Dagan back at Charles de Gaulle Airport last week over his role in expanding settlements. Israel condemned that decision as "completely unacceptable."
Mélenchon, a declared candidate for the 2027 presidential election, said in a campaign speech last Saturday that French vessels would accompany activists hoping to force aid into the Gaza Strip if he were elected. His party refused to describe the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks as terrorism. Israel has previously barred British left-wing lawmakers, including Jeremy Corbyn, after London imposed sanctions on settlement products.
