Far-left candidate in France: Navy ships will escort flotillas to Gaza

Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the radical left candidate for the French presidency, promised in a campaign speech that if elected he would send French Navy ships to escort civilian flotillas to Gaza. Israel's ambassador to France compared his remarks to fascism.

Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the radical left candidate for the French presidency, promised in a campaign speech last night (Saturday) at a rally in the suburbs of Paris attended by about 20,000 people that if elected he would send French Navy ships to escort civilian flotillas to Gaza. Mélenchon accused Israel of 'genocide' in Gaza and of the gradual annexation of Judea and Samaria, southern Lebanon, and the Golan Heights. Israel's ambassador to France, Joshua Zarka, responded sharply, comparing his remarks to fascism. French geopolitical and security commentator Louis Duclos warned that sending military vessels to help break the naval blockade could lead to a direct military confrontation with Israel, a nuclear power. Mélenchon heads the 'France Unbowed' party (LFI).