Foreign and Interior Minister Gideon Sa'ar has barred Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the de facto leader of France's far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party, and French National Assembly member Mathilde Panot from entering Israel over their anti-Israel statements, The Jerusalem Post reports.
The Foreign Ministry said Thursday evening that the pair's statements included "accusations amounting to 'blood libels' against Israel," as well as Mélenchon's call for French naval vessels to escort flotillas to Gaza.
"Israel will respond firmly to anyone who harms it, and will not permit the entry of individuals who act against the state and its citizens or incite against them," the ministry said.
Mélenchon, who is not a sitting member of government, announced earlier this month that he will run in France's 2027 presidential election, his fourth bid.
The decision comes two days after France barred Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, from entering France "due to his active role in implementing the settlement policy in the West Bank." Israel's Foreign Ministry called that move "entirely unacceptable."
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