France Condemns Israel's Ban on Radical Left Leaders

By איתמר אייכנר

Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba

CenterCharged tone

Hebrew · 11 newsrooms covering

France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot denounced Israel's decision to ban entry for radical left leaders Jean-Luc Mélenchon and Mathilde Panot, calling it "demagogic." The Israeli Foreign Ministry cited their "extreme anti-Israel policy" and "scandalous statements." Mélenchon and Panot criticized the ban, with Panot posting a pro-Palestinian message. The decision came after the head of the Samaria Regional Council was reportedly denied entry to France.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot condemned Israel's ban on radical left leaders Mélenchon and Panot.
Israel cited "extreme anti-Israel policy" and "scandalous statements" by the French politicians for the ban.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon and Mathilde Panot criticized Israel's decision, with Panot posting a pro-Palestinian message.
The ban followed reports of Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan being denied entry to France.
Mélenchon has been accused of fueling antisemitism and hatred towards Israel in France.

France Condemns Israel's Ban on Radical Left Leaders — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot on Thursday condemned Israel's decision to ban entry to Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the radical left party "La France Insoumise" (LFI), and Mathilde Panot, the faction's chairwoman. Barrot called the move "demagogic," stating it plays into the hands of those who exploit the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Mélenchon responded that he was banned from a territory he had no intention of visiting, expressing regret that the Israeli government had singled him out. Panot, posting on social media with a Palestinian flag, sarcastically sought the "bad news" and urged Israeli authorities to "free Palestine."

The Israeli Foreign Ministry announced the ban, citing LFI's "extreme anti-Israel policy" and "scandalous statements" by Mélenchon and Panot, which it accused of fabricating blood libels against Israel. The ministry also referenced Mélenchon's call to send French ships to escort illegal flotillas to Gaza. The decision was made by Foreign and Interior Minister Gideon Sa'ar.

This action follows an incident where Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, was reportedly denied entry to France last week for meetings with elected officials. Mélenchon, a prominent French politician, recently accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of influencing French elections. French media suggested this was related to alleged involvement by an Israeli company in local elections to harm LFI candidates.

LFI has been at the forefront of recent violent protests in France, with many blaming Mélenchon for the unrest. He is known for his strong anti-Israel stances and support for Palestinians, and has been accused in France for years of fueling antisemitism and hatred towards Israel.