Israel has canceled the visas of 27 French left-wing officials just two days before their planned visit to Israel and the West Bank, igniting diplomatic tensions between Paris and Jerusalem. The delegation, which was scheduled to travel from April 20 to April 24, 2025, included prominent lawmakers such as François Ruffin, Alexis Corbière, and Julie Laernoes, as well as Senator Marianne Margaté.
In a statement, the group condemned the action as "collective punishment" and urged French President Emmanuel Macron to intervene. They noted that their visas had been approved a month in advance by Israeli authorities but were abruptly revoked 48 hours before their departure.
The Israeli Ministry of the Interior confirmed the cancellation, citing a law that permits it to deny entry to individuals deemed to act against the interests of the State of Israel. The delegation, invited by the French Consulate in Jerusalem, expressed its dismay, stating, "This revocation of our permits to enter Israel 48 hours before our departure is a major break in diplomatic ties with the French State and our mandates as elected officials of the Republic."
For over three decades, the French delegation has worked to promote international cooperation and a culture of peace. In their statement, they emphasized their longstanding call for France to recognize the Palestinian state, a step that Macron has indicated may be taken at an upcoming international conference in June 2025.
The cancellation of the visas has drawn comparisons to recent incidents where Israeli authorities barred entry to British lawmakers from the Labour Party, raising questions about the treatment of foreign officials advocating for Palestinian rights. Just days before the French delegation's planned visit, two British MPs were detained and deported for similar reasons.
Seventeen members of the French delegation, representing the Ecologist and Communist parties, expressed their outrage, labeling the visa cancellation as a "major rupture in diplomatic ties." They stated, "Deliberately preventing elected officials and parliamentarians from traveling cannot be without consequences," and called for a meeting with Macron to discuss the matter.
The group highlighted that their visit aimed to strengthen international cooperation and promote peace, stating, "For the first time, two days before our departure, the Israeli authorities cancelled our entry visas that had been approved one month ago." They seek clarity on the sudden decision, which they feel resembles collective punishment.
In their statement, the delegation reiterated their parties' long-standing support for recognizing a Palestinian state, a move that Macron has suggested could be on the horizon. The French officials stated, "For decades, we have been hoping and demanding that France recognize the Palestinian state. France is about to finally take the step of this recognition. It's a courageous act that would pay tribute to its history and our vision of democracy, freedom, equality, and fraternity."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed strong opposition to France's potential recognition of a Palestinian state, arguing that such a move would reward terrorism. This ongoing tension reflects broader diplomatic challenges as France navigates its relationship with Israel while advocating for Palestinian rights.
The cancellation of the French delegation's visas comes amid a backdrop of increasing scrutiny over Israel's treatment of foreign officials who support Palestinian statehood. Earlier this year, two left-wing European parliament deputies were also denied entry into Israel under similar circumstances.
In light of these developments, the French delegation's call for intervention from President Macron underscores the growing frustration among European lawmakers regarding Israel's policies. The incident has sparked discussions on the implications for future diplomatic relations between France and Israel, particularly as tensions in the region continue to escalate.
As the situation unfolds, the French delegation remains hopeful for a resolution that allows them to visit and fulfill their mission of promoting peace and international cooperation. They have urged Macron to take action with the Israeli authorities to facilitate a new visit.
This incident not only highlights the complexities of diplomatic relations in the region but also raises questions about the treatment of elected officials advocating for human rights and peace. The outcome of this situation may have lasting implications for the future of French-Israeli relations and the broader discourse surrounding the recognition of a Palestinian state.
