Entry visas for 27 members of the French parliament and local officials were canceled just days before their scheduled visit to Palestinian Authority-controlled areas. The decision was announced overnight (between Sunday and Monday) by Israel’s Interior Ministry. The ministry explained that the move was made in accordance with Israeli law, which permits denying entry to individuals who may act against the State of Israel.
The French delegation included representatives from left-wing parties, among them members of parliament, senators, and mayors. They had planned a five-day visit to the region, coordinated with the French Consulate in Jerusalem. According to the delegation, the purpose of the trip was “to strengthen international cooperation and the culture of peace.”
“A Huge Prize for Terror”
Delegation members expressed disappointment at the decision. “This is an unprecedented act of collective punishment,” they said. In a statement they released, they wrote: “This is the first time the Israeli authorities have revoked our visas two days before departure—visas that had been approved a month ago.” They said they had appealed to French President Emmanuel Macron for intervention.
The Population and Immigration Authority told Israel Hayom that “it was decided to deny their entry under Section 40 of the Entry into Israel Law (activity against the state), after the reason for their planned visit became clear.”
The decision comes amid diplomatic tension with France, following President Macron’s recent declaration that he intends to recognize a Palestinian state—possibly as early as an international conference in June. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to the potential move. In a conversation with Macron, he said such recognition would be “a huge prize for terror.”
Not an Isolated Case
This is not the first time Israel has barred entry to foreign elected officials over their political stances. Earlier this month, two British parliamentarians were denied entry. In February, members of the European Parliament were also refused. In each case, the decision was explained as being based on concerns over potential threats to national security.
