Israel Bars French Leftist Leaders Mélenchon and Panot Amid Diplomatic Row

Israel has banned Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the radical French left-wing party La France Insoumise and a presidential candidate, along with Mathilde Panot, the head of the party's parliamentary bloc, from entering the country. The decision was announced Thursday evening by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar.

A statement from the Israeli Foreign Ministry cited the party leaders' "extreme anti-Israel policy and scandalous statements" as the reason for the ban. The ministry accused Mélenchon and Panot of promoting "blood libels" against Israel and pointed to Mélenchon's call for French ships to escort aid convoys to Gaza.

"Israel will respond firmly to anyone who harms it and will not allow entry to elements working against it and its citizens and inciting against them," the ministry added. The move is seen as a direct response to France's decision to deny entry to Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council.

Dagan was prevented from entering France the previous day at Paris airport, despite having official meetings scheduled. French immigration officials reportedly questioned him extensively and presented documents justifying the refusal based on his role in establishing 35 settlements in Samaria and his activities promoting a return to Gush Katif.

An Israeli political source described the ban on Mélenchon and Panot as retaliation for France's action against Dagan. Dagan himself commented on his French entry ban, stating, "I am proud to be a Jew and a Zionist, and to be building the historic homeland of the Jewish people. I am proud to be on the right side of history."