i24NEWSSecurity18:58

Israel Bars Entry to French Far-Left Leader Mélenchon

By i24NEWS, נטלי הוויט

Translated & summarized from i24NEWS by baba

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Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has decided to ban entry to Israel for Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the French far-left party "La France Insoumise," and faction chairwoman Mathilde Panot. The decision cites their "extreme anti-Israeli policy" and "scandalous statements," including accusations against Israel and Mélenchon's call for escorting flotillas to Gaza. This diplomatic move appears to be a response to France's denial of entry to Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, the previous day.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar banned French far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon from entering the country.
Mathilde Panot, a senior figure in Mélenchon's party, was also denied entry to Israel.
The decision cites "extreme anti-Israeli policy" and "scandalous statements" by the French party leaders.
Mélenchon's call for French ships to escort flotillas to Gaza was a contributing factor.
The move follows France's denial of entry to Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan the previous day.

Israel Bars Entry to French Far-Left Leader Mélenchon — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced on Thursday a decision to deny entry into Israel for Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the leader of the French far-left party "La France Insoumise," and Mathilde Panot, the faction chairwoman. The Foreign Ministry stated the move was in response to the party's "extreme anti-Israeli policy and the scandalous statements by the party leaders."

The ministry clarified that the decision stems from the party's extreme stance towards Israel, including accusations of "blood libels" made by Mélenchon and Panot. Mélenchon's call for French ships to escort flotillas to Gaza was also cited as a reason.

"Israel will respond forcefully against anyone who harms it and will not allow entry to elements operating and inciting against it and its citizens," the ministry declared. This action follows an incident the previous day where French immigration authorities prevented Yossi Dagan, the head of the Samaria Regional Council, from entering France for official meetings. Dagan was reportedly interrogated and shown documents citing his role in building settlements and promoting a return to Gush Katya as justification for the denial.

Dagan responded to the French action by stating, "I am proud to be a Jew and a Zionist and to build the historic homeland of the Jewish people. Proud to be on the right side of history."