Israel bars French politicians Mélenchon and Panot over anti-Israel statements

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar barred French left-wing politicians Jean-Luc Mélenchon and Mathilde Panot from entering Israel, citing anti-Israel statements and Mélenchon's call for French ships to escort flotillas to Gaza. The move follows France's denial of entry to Israeli official Yossi Dagan.

Foreign and Interior Minister Gideon Sa'ar decided to prevent the entry into Israel of Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the 'France Unbowed' party, and Mathilde Panot, chair of the party's parliamentary group. The decision was made in light of their statements, which blood-libelled the state, and due to Mélenchon's call to dispatch French ships to escort flotillas to Gaza. The decision came a few days after Mélenchon, a candidate for the French presidency, made this promise in a speech. Additionally, the decision was made a day after Israel protested France's decision to ban the entry of Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan. Sa'ar made clear that Israel would respond firmly against anyone who harms it. The article notes that in the past, Italian and Spanish ships have escorted flotillas to Gaza, and that LFI parliamentarians have been detained in Israel or denied entry.