Israel Bars French Leftist Leaders Mélenchon and Panot From Entry
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has banned French politicians Jean-Luc Mélenchon and Mathilde Panot from entering the country due to their anti-Israel stances. Mélenchon had called to escort flotillas to Gaza, while Panot had called for the expulsion of Israel's ambassador. This reciprocal action follows France's recent denial of entry to Israeli official Yossi Dagan. Israel stated it would act against those inciting against it.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israel banned French politicians Jean-Luc Mélenchon and Mathilde Panot from entering the country.
- The decision was based on their anti-Israel statements and Mélenchon's call to escort Gaza flotillas.
- This follows France's recent denial of entry to Yossi Dagan, head of the Shomron Regional Council.
- The Foreign Ministry cited the LFI party's "extreme anti-Israeli policy" and leaders' statements.
- Mélenchon made the remarks about Gaza flotillas during a rally for the 2027 French presidential election.
- Israel vowed to act forcefully against those inciting against it and its citizens.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced Thursday a decision to deny entry into Israel for Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the "La France Insoumise" (LFI) party, and Mathilde Panot, the chairwoman of the party's parliamentary faction. The decision stems from their anti-Israel statements and Mélenchon's call to send French ships to escort flotillas to Gaza.
This move follows a report from Wednesday that France had previously barred Yossi Dagan, head of the Shomron Regional Council, from entering its territory. According to the report, French immigration authorities detained Dagan at border control last week, informing him that his entry was prohibited due to his activities promoting settlement in Judea and Samaria.
The Foreign Ministry stated that the decision against Mélenchon and Panot was made in light of what it described as the "extreme anti-Israeli policy" of their party, along with statements by its leaders that Israel claims included serious accusations against the state.
Last weekend, Mélenchon declared that if elected president of France, he would be able to send French ships to escort flotillas to Gaza. These remarks were made during a political rally in preparation for the 2027 French presidential elections. Mélenchon, a prominent figure on the French left, frequently criticizes Israeli policy. Panot has also made sharp anti-Israel statements in the past, including a call in June to expel Israel's ambassador to Paris, Joshua Zarka.
A spokesperson for the ministry stated, "Israel will respond forcefully against anyone who harms it and will not allow entry to elements that operate and incite against it and its citizens."
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