Israel bans Melanchon and Panot entry over anti-Israeli statements

The Government of Israel has decided to ban two key representatives of the French political party "Unbowed France" (LFI) from entering the country. This was announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Jewish state.

Reasons for the decision

Relevant Israeli officials expressed disagreement with the political force's anti-Israeli position and the public statements of its leadership, which contain direct accusations against Tel Aviv.

The Foreign Ministry separately emphasised its dissatisfaction with Jean-Luc Melanchon's calls to deploy French ships to escort humanitarian flotillas sailing to the Gaza Strip.

Who faced restrictions

The entry ban was imposed on:

• Jean-Luc Melanchon, party leader and presidential candidate in France;
• Mathilde Panot, head of the LFI parliamentary group.

The ministry's statement notes that such actions indicate an "extremely hostile position" of these politicians towards Israel.

Who signed the order

The decision to declare Melanchon and Panot persona non grata was signed by Gideon Sa'ar, Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Interior.

Context

Prior to this decision, Melanchon promised that if he wins the 2027 presidential elections, he intends to send the French Navy to protect humanitarian flotillas heading to the Gaza Strip.