Just two days before their scheduled visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories, 27 French lawmakers and local officials were informed on Sunday that their entry visas had been revoked by Israeli authorities.
The delegation, composed largely of members from France’s left-wing Ecologist and Communist parties, said the trip aimed to promote peace and international cooperation, according to AFP. The visit had been coordinated through the French consulate in Jerusalem and was set to include a five-day official program.
However, Israel’s Interior Ministry canceled the visas under legislation that allows the country to deny entry to individuals deemed a threat to national interests.
Among those barred were National Assembly deputies François Ruffin, Alexis Corbière, Julie Ozenne, Communist MP Soumya Bourouaha, and Senator Marianne Margaté. The group also included several mayors and local officials. In a joint statement, they condemned the decision as “collective punishment” and a “serious breach in diplomatic relations,” urging President Emmanuel Macron to intervene.
The lawmakers noted that their political parties have long supported the recognition of a Palestinian state — a stance French President Macron recently echoed. Speaking at an international summit, Macron signaled that France may officially recognize Palestinian statehood as early as June.
This incident follows a recent pattern: earlier in April, Israel deported two British MPs upon arrival at Tel Aviv’s airport, and in February, two left-wing members of the European Parliament were denied entry.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been outspoken in his opposition to international recognition of a Palestinian state, describing such efforts as rewarding terrorism.
