France calls Israel's barring of French left-wing candidate Melenchon 'demagogic' decision

France has criticized as 'demagogic' Israel's decision to bar French hard-left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon and Mathilde Panot from entering the country over their party's 'extreme anti-Israel stance'. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot condemned the move, while Israel's Foreign Ministry cited 'blood libels' and Mélenchon's call for French ships to escort aid flotillas to Gaza.

France has condemned as 'demagogic' Israel's decision to bar French hard-left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon and Mathilde Panot, parliamentary group chair of La France Insoumise, from entering the country. Israel's Foreign Ministry announced the ban on Thursday, citing the party's 'extreme anti-Israel stance' and 'outrageous statements' including alleged 'blood libels' against Israel. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot responded on X/Twitter, calling the decision 'demagogic' and accusing the Israeli government of repeatedly violating international law. He reaffirmed France's commitment to a two-state solution. The Israeli Foreign Ministry stated it would not allow individuals who act against Israel and incite against its citizens to enter. Mélenchon told Franceinfo radio he was banned from a territory he did not ask to enter, and in a campaign speech last Saturday he said French vessels would accompany activists seeking to force aid into Gaza.