Full coverage· Politics· Updated 17:48

France Criticizes Israel's Ban on Far-Left Leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon

Israel barred French left-wing politicians Jean-Luc Mélenchon and Mathilde Panot from entering the country on Thursday, after Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said they had incited against Israel. The move came as France faced criticism in Israel for refusing entry to Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council.

14 newsrooms · 5 languages · since 12 Nov, 18:46

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France Criticizes Israel's Ban on Far-Left Leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon — Illustration by baba

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What happened

01Israel barred Jean-Luc Mélenchon and Mathilde Panot from entering on Thursday, with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar citing anti-Israel incitement and statements against the state.
02The Foreign Ministry said the ban responded to La France Insoumise’s “extreme anti-Israel policy” and remarks it described as “blood libels” against Israel.
03Mélenchon was also cited for calling to send French ships to escort flotillas to Gaza, a demand tied in one report to his French presidential campaign.
04France had recently denied entry to Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, and Israeli reports described the move as politically motivated.
05Dagan was denied entry to France because of his activities promoting Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, according to the reports.
06Israel said it would respond firmly to anyone who harms it and would not permit entry to those who act against the state and its citizens.
07French foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot called Israel’s decision “demagogic,” while Mélenchon said he had no intention of visiting Israel.

Sa'ar’s ministry said the ban was based on the La France Insoumise leaders’ anti-Israel policy and statements, including accusations described as “blood libels” against Israel. Mélenchon was also cited for calling to send French ships to escort flotillas to Gaza. Several reports said he made the remarks in the context of the French presidential campaign.

Yossi Dagan was denied entry to France last week, according to the reports, because of his activities promoting Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria. Israeli outlets described the French move as politically motivated and said Israel is treating the bans as reciprocal.

The Foreign Ministry said Israel would respond firmly to those who harm it and would not allow entry to people who act against the state and its citizens or incite against them. Mélenchon responded that he had no intention of visiting Israel and was not disappointed by the ban, while France’s foreign minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, called Israel’s decision “demagogic.”

Summarized by baba from the reports of 11 newsrooms. Updated 12 Nov, 23:17