Israel Bans Two French Politicians After France Bars Samaria Leader

According to the ministry, both politicians have promoted blood libels against Israel, while Mélenchon has also called for French naval vessels to escort flotillas attempting to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza.

By United with Israel Staff

Israel has banned two prominent French far-left politicians from entering the country, following France’s decision to deny entry to Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan over his activities promoting Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria.

Foreign Minister and Interior Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced Thursday that Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the far-left La France Insoumise (LFI) party, and Mathilde Panot, who heads the party’s parliamentary faction, would be prohibited from entering Israel.

The Foreign Ministry cited LFI’s strongly anti-Israel positions and what it described as outrageous statements by its leaders.

According to the ministry, both politicians have promoted blood libels against Israel, while Mélenchon has also called for French naval vessels to escort flotillas attempting to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza.

“Israel will respond firmly to those who seek to harm it,” the ministry declared in a statement published in French, adding that individuals who act against Israel and incite hatred toward its citizens would not be permitted to enter the country.

The decision comes amid a growing diplomatic dispute between Jerusalem and Paris, following France’s refusal to admit Dagan, an outspoken advocate for Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria.

Last week, French authorities prevented Dagan from entering the country after he arrived in Paris for meetings with elected officials.

According to Dagan’s office, the entry ban was connected to his activities promoting Jewish construction in Judea and Samaria and his support for rebuilding Jewish communities in Gaza.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry condemned the French decision Wednesday, calling the treatment of an elected Israeli official unacceptable.

Dagan also denounced the move, declaring that he would not apologize for his commitment to Jewish settlement.

“I am proud to be a Jew and a Zionist and to build the historic homeland of the Jewish people. Proud to be on the right side of history,” he said.

Mélenchon and his party have repeatedly drawn criticism over their positions on Israel, particularly since the October 7, 2023, Hamas massacre.

The latest Israeli restrictions mark a further escalation in tensions with France, whose government has repeatedly criticized Israeli settlement policies in Judea and Samaria.