Israel Revokes Entry Visas for 27 Left-Wing French Politicians Ahead of Scheduled Visit

Report By Safarti Tarjuman International Desk

The Israeli government has revoked entry visas for 27 French left-wing lawmakers and local officials just two days before they were due to begin a diplomatic visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories, sparking a wave of criticism from French political circles.

The delegation, which included members of France’s Ecologist and Communist parties, said the abrupt cancellation amounted to “collective punishment” and urged President Emmanuel Macron to intervene diplomatically.

According to Israel’s Interior Ministry, the decision was made under existing legislation that permits authorities to deny entry to individuals suspected of supporting activities that could “undermine the State of Israel.” While no specific allegations were made public, the move comes amid increasing scrutiny of foreign political figures perceived to back the Palestinian cause or support the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement.

The French group had planned a five-day visit facilitated by the French consulate in Jerusalem. Their itinerary included meetings in both Israel and the Palestinian territories, aimed at promoting “international cooperation and a culture of peace,” the lawmakers said in a joint statement.

“For the first time, two days before our departure, Israeli authorities canceled our entry visas that had already been approved over a month ago,” the group stated. “We are seeking clarity on this sudden and unjustified decision.”

Among the delegates were notable National Assembly members François Ruffin, Alexis Corbière, and Julie Ozenne, as well as Communist deputy Soumya Bourouaha and Senator Marianne Margate. The rest of the group comprised mayors and local elected officials affiliated with left-wing parties.

This is the second diplomatic incident in recent days involving foreign political figures. Just days earlier, two British Labour MPs were denied entry into Israel under similar circumstances.

The visa cancellations have drawn concern from human rights organizations and raised questions about the Israeli government’s handling of diplomatic engagement with foreign officials. Critics argue that such actions risk damaging Israel’s international standing and suppressing dialogue on key regional issues.

As of now, the French government has not issued an official response, though calls for intervention continue to mount within France’s left-leaning political factions.