Israel bars French lawmakers amid rising tensions over Palestinian statehood

[MIDDLE EAST] Israel has revoked entry visas for 27 French left-wing lawmakers and local officials just two days before their scheduled visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories on April 20, the delegation announced.

The move follows a similar decision earlier this month, when Israel barred entry to two British MPs from the ruling Labour Party. The recent visa cancellations appear to be part of a growing trend reflecting Israel’s increasingly firm stance against foreign officials critical of its policies, especially as global scrutiny intensifies over its military operations in Gaza.

Analysts view the move as part of a broader strategy to deflect diplomatic pressure, particularly from European countries that have been vocal in advocating for a ceasefire and a political resolution to the ongoing conflict. The decision comes amid heightened diplomatic strain, following French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent statement that France intends to recognize a Palestinian state in the near future. Macron has also called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address humanitarian concerns in Gaza.

France’s push toward Palestinian statehood mirrors similar intentions expressed by other European nations such as Spain, Ireland, and Norway. These developments have drawn sharp criticism from Israeli leaders, who argue that unilateral recognition sidelines peace negotiations and strengthens Hamas. Israel’s Interior Ministry stated the visas were cancelled under legislation allowing authorities to bar individuals deemed likely to act against the interests of the state.

Seventeen members of the French delegation, mainly from the Ecologist and Communist parties, condemned the move as "collective punishment” and urged President Macron to intervene.

According to the group’s itinerary, the delegation had planned to meet with Palestinian civil society organizations, Israeli human rights groups, and United Nations officials in the West Bank. Discussions were expected to focus on humanitarian aid access and the effects of Israeli settlement expansion—issues that have fueled diplomatic friction between Paris and Tel Aviv.

The delegation said the five-day visit had been arranged by the French consulate in Jerusalem and aimed to “strengthen international cooperation and promote a culture of peace.”

“For the first time, two days before departure, Israeli authorities cancelled our entry visas, which had been approved a month earlier,” the group said in a statement. “We want to understand what led to this sudden decision, which resembles collective punishment.”

The delegation included National Assembly members François Ruffin, Alexis Corbière, and Julie Ozenne from the Ecologist party, as well as Communist MP Soumya Bourouaha and Senator Marianne Margate. Other participants were left-leaning mayors and regional lawmakers. The visa cancellations have drawn criticism from across the French political spectrum, with some accusing Israel of undermining democratic discourse. While the French Foreign Ministry has requested explanations from Israeli authorities, it has yet to issue a formal protest.

Calling the visa revocations a “major rupture in diplomatic ties,” the group demanded a meeting with President Macron and concrete action from the French government to ensure their future entry. Members of the group noted their parties have long advocated for the recognition of a Palestinian state—an issue Macron indicated could be addressed at an international summit slated for June.

Earlier this month, Israel detained and deported two British MPs, Yuan Yang and Abtisam Mohamed, at Ben Gurion Airport, citing the same legal grounds. The incident drew condemnation from British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who labeled the move “unacceptable.” In February, two European Parliament members—Franco-Palestinian Rima Hassan and Ireland’s Lynn Boylan—were also denied entry by Israeli authorities.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has reacted strongly to the potential recognition of Palestinian statehood by France, calling it a “huge reward for terrorism.” These diplomatic rifts come as ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas remain stalled. Each side has accused the other of derailing talks, while humanitarian agencies warn of a deepening crisis in Gaza, where over 34,000 people have been killed since the conflict began, according to local health officials.