Left-wing politicians have characterized the measure as a form of “collective punishment.”
Israel has rescinded the visas of left-leaning French parliamentarians who have voiced support for recognizing a Palestinian state.
This action follows French President Emmanuel Macron’s suggestion that recognition could be on the table at an international conference in June. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly criticized this suggestion, calling it a “huge reward for terrorism.”
The group of 27 politicians includes members from France’s Green and Communist parties, as well as local council members and mayors. Among them are National Assembly members François Ruffin, Alexis Corbiere, and Julie Ozenne from the Green party, Communist deputy Soumya Bourouaha, and Communist Senator Marianne Margate.
The politicians stated on Sunday that the French consulate in Jerusalem had invited them for a five-day trip to Israel and the Palestinian territories, which they described as a mission to “strengthen international cooperation and the culture of peace.”
“Two days before our departure, the Israeli authorities cancelled our entry visas that had been approved one month ago,” the lawmakers said, labeling the decision as “collective punishment.”
They called the visa denial a “major rupture in diplomatic ties” and urged Macron to take action.
“Deliberately preventing elected officials and parliamentarians from travelling cannot be without consequences,” they added.
The group noted that their respective parties have advocated for the recognition of a Palestinian state for decades.
Israel’s Interior Ministry defended its decision, citing a law that permits authorities to bar entry to individuals who “could act against the State of Israel.”
Tensions with Western lawmakers have risen recently amid increasing criticism of Israel’s military operation against Hamas in Gaza. Earlier in April, two British MPs were prevented from entering the country after being accused of planning to “spread hate speech.” Israeli authorities claimed the pair had misrepresented their reasons for visiting, while the UK Foreign Office called the decision “unacceptable.”
Before that, an EU parliamentary delegation cancelled a planned trip to Jerusalem and Ramallah after French MP Rima Hassan, Irish MP Lynn Boylan, and two EU staffers were denied entry.
Israeli officials stated that the individuals had “consistently worked to promote boycotts against Israel in addition to numerous public statements both on social media and in media interviews.”
“The State of Israel is not obligated to allow the entry of any official from a foreign country, including members of parliament, if they work to boycott and undermine its legitimacy,” Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli said at the time.
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