In a move that has drawn widespread condemnation, Israel has revoked the entry visas of 27 French officials, including parliamentarians and municipal representatives, just days before their planned visit to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories.
Israeli authorities cited legislation allowing the denial of entry to persons it deems “hostile to the state” as justification for the decision.
However, the delegation, composed primarily of members from France’s Ecologist and Communist parties, described the action as “collective punishment” and a “significant strain on Franco-Israeli relations.”
The group had been invited by the French consulate in Jerusalem for a five-day visit aimed at fostering dialogue and supporting peace initiatives.
The abrupt cancellation of their visas has raised questions about Israel’s approach to international diplomacy, particularly as tensions rise following French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement of plans to host a conference in June focused on recognizing Palestinian statehood.
Among those barred from entry were prominent French officials, including National Assembly deputies François Ruffin, Alexis Corbière, and Julie Ozenne, as well as Communist Deputy Soumya Bourouaha and Senator Marianne Margaté.
The delegation has since called on President Macron to intervene, emphasizing the importance of maintaining open channels for dialogue.
This incident is part of a broader trend, with Israel recently barring other European officials from entering the country. Earlier this month, two British Labour Party MPs were detained and deported from Tel Aviv’s airport, prompting condemnation from the UK Foreign Secretary.
The visa cancellations highlight growing divisions between Israel and European nations over policies related to Palestinian rights and statehood. As this latest diplomatic dispute unfolds, it underscores the challenges of navigating international
