Israel Revokes Visas of 27 French Officials Amid Tensions Over Palestinian Statehood Recognition

The Israeli Interior Ministry has revoked the visas of 27 French officials, primarily affiliated with France’s Ecologist and Communist parties, ahead of their scheduled five-day visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories. The visit, organized by the French Consulate in Jerusalem, aimed to promote peace and international cooperation. All visas had initially been approved one month earlier.

The delegation included several mayors and National Assembly deputies, such as François Ruffin, Alexis Corbière, and Julie Ozenne.

Macron’s Statement and Rising Political Tensions

The move comes in the wake of a recent statement by President Emmanuel Macron, suggesting that France may soon recognize a Palestinian state. The political parties represented in the delegation are known supporters of Palestinian independence, a stance that has sparked strong opposition from the Israeli government.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized France’s evolving position, stating that recognizing a Palestinian state in the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks would amount to a "huge reward for terrorism."

French Officials Condemn Visa Revocation

In a joint letter signed by 17 of the affected officials, the group called on President Macron to intervene, condemning Israel’s actions as a form of “collective punishment” and a “major rupture in diplomatic ties.” The Élysée Palace has yet to issue an official response.

On social media, several officials voiced individual criticism. Alexis Corbière, Member of the National Assembly for Seine-Saint-Denis, labelled the visa revocation a “scandal.”

Pattern of Visa Denials Raises Concerns

This incident adds to a growing list of foreign politicians denied entry into Israel over similar concerns. In February, two European MPs, including one Franco-Palestinian, were barred from entry. In another case, British MPs Yuan Yang and Abtisam Mohamed were detained at Ben Gurion Airport, reportedly due to security-related reasons.