Israel terminates visas for French pro-Palestine MPs
(MENAFN) Israel has rescinded entry visas for a group of French left-wing lawmakers who have backed the recognition of a Palestinian state. This decision follows French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent suggestion that such recognition could be formalized at an international conference in June—an idea that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly opposed, calling it “a huge reward for terrorism.”
The group affected includes 27 French political figures, such as members of the Ecologist and Communist parties, along with local officials and mayors. Notable names include National Assembly members François Ruffin, Alexis Corbière, and Julie Ozenne, Communist MP Soumya Bourouaha, and Senator Marianne Margate.
The lawmakers were due to visit Israel and the Palestinian territories on a five-day trip organized by the French consulate in Jerusalem. They described the visit as a mission aimed at promoting peace and international cooperation. However, just two days before departure, Israel canceled their previously approved visas.
Calling the move “collective punishment,” the group issued a statement condemning the decision as a serious diplomatic breach and urged French President Macron to take action. They argued that barring elected officials from entry is unacceptable and should not go unanswered.
Israel’s Interior Ministry justified the cancellations by citing a law that permits denial of entry to individuals seen as potentially acting against the state.
This development comes amid growing tensions between Israel and Western politicians over Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Earlier in April, two UK lawmakers were also denied entry, accused of intending to spread hate speech. Additionally, an EU delegation canceled a trip after several of its members were barred, including French MP Rima Hassan and Irish MP Lynn Boylan, due to their past support for boycotts against Israel.
Israel's Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli reiterated that Israel has no obligation to admit foreign officials who seek to undermine its legitimacy.
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