English
Israel has announced it will ban French far-left politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon from entering the country. The decision follows remarks Mélenchon made over the weekend, in which he pledged that French ships would escort aid flotillas to Gaza if he wins the French presidency.
Israel’s Response to Mélenchon’s Pledge
The Israeli foreign ministry issued a firm statement on Thursday. “Israel will respond firmly to those who seek to harm it and will not allow individuals who act against Israel and incite against its citizens to enter the country,” the ministry said. Israel also announced it would bar Mathilde Panot, the parliamentary group chair of Mélenchon’s France Unbowed party, from entering the country.
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Mélenchon had no apparent plans to visit Israel. However, his Saturday speech drew a sharp reaction from Israeli officials. Speaking as a presidential contender, he said France would “act directly in support of the Palestinians” in both Gaza and the West Bank if elected. He added that “French ships, like those of Italy and Spain, will escort, if necessary, the flotillas of citizens mobilised to affirm people’s rights.”
Gaza Blockade and Flotilla Tensions
Israel has maintained a blockade on Gaza since Hamas took control of the territory in 2007. After Hamas carried out its October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, authorities further tightened restrictions on entry points into Gaza. The attack triggered a large-scale Israeli military campaign that continues today.
Several flotillas have attempted to break through the Israeli blockade in recent years. Earlier this year, Israeli forces intercepted one such flotilla. Some activists aboard alleged that Israeli authorities physically or sexually abused them while in custody. Israel denied those allegations.
A Broader Pattern of Entry Bans
The announcement came just one day after France confirmed it had refused entry to the head of an organisation representing Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. Meanwhile, Israel has previously banned several British left-wing lawmakers from entering the country, including Jeremy Corbyn, a vocal critic of Israeli policy. Those bans followed London’s decision to impose sanctions on settlement products.
Mélenchon is a well-known critic of Israel and has been a prominent voice on Palestinian rights in French politics. His entry ban adds to a growing list of foreign politicians and activists whom Israel has blocked from entering the country amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
