World
France Condemns Israel’s Ban on Opposition Leader Melenchon
France’s Foreign Minister Jean‑Noel Barrot condemned Israel’s decision to bar French opposition figure Jean‑Luc Melenchon from entering the country. The ban, announced by Israel, also applied to Mathilde Panot, the parliamentary group chair of Melenchon’s France Unbowed party (La France Insoumise). Israeli officials cited the party’s “extreme anti‑Israel stance” and “outrageous statements” as the reason for the exclusion. Barrot described the move as “demagogic” and said it came from a government that has repeatedly violated international law. He added that France would continue to work toward a two‑state solution and peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians.
Israel accused Melenchon and Panot of making “blood libel” statements against Israel. Earlier this weekend, Melenchon said that if he won the April 2027 presidential election, he would order French ships to escort aid flotillas to Gaza. Israeli forces have previously raided such fleets and detained activists. A statement from the Israeli Foreign Ministry said Israel would respond firmly to those who seek to harm it and would not allow individuals who act against Israel or incite against its citizens to enter the country.
Melenchon told French radio that he had been “banned from entering a territory I did not ask to enter.” The Israeli move followed France’s recent ban on Yossi Dagan, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party who heads an Israeli regional council in the occupied West Bank. France said Dagan was barred because of his active role in implementing Israel’s settlement policy, which it says violates international law. France is among several European countries that have tightened restrictions on Israeli settlers this year, a policy that has drawn criticism from Israeli officials. Earlier in the year, France also banned far‑right Israeli ministers Itamar Ben‑Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, both members of Netanyahu’s cabinet, for encouraging accelerated settlement in the West Bank and for pogroms targeting Palestinians.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Israel ban Jean‑Luc Melenchon and Mathilde Panot?
Israel cited the party’s extreme anti‑Israel stance and outrageous statements as the reason for the exclusion.
Who condemned Israel’s ban on Melenchon?
France’s Foreign Minister Jean‑Noel Barrot condemned the decision.
What did France say about the ban on Yossi Dagan?
France said Dagan was barred because of his active role in implementing Israel’s settlement policy, which it says violates international law.