Israel has cancelled entry visas for 27 French parliamentarians and local officials, just two days before their scheduled visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories. The Israeli Interior Ministry cited a law permitting the denial of entry to individuals deemed potentially hostile to the state.
The delegation, comprising members of the National Assembly, the Senate, and local government officials, had been invited by the French consulate in Jerusalem for a five-day trip aimed at promoting international cooperation and a culture of peace.
Delegates expressed surprise and dismay at the visa cancellations, noting that approvals had been granted a month prior. In a joint statement, they described the action as “collective punishment” and a “serious breach of diplomatic relations,” calling for intervention from President Emmanuel Macron.
This incident follows a similar case earlier this month, where two British Labour MPs, Abtisam Mohamed and Yuan Yang, were denied entry into Israel. Israeli authorities accused them of intending to “document Israeli security forces and spread anti-Israel hatred.” The UK Foreign Secretary condemned the detentions as “unacceptable and deeply concerning.”
The diplomatic tensions coincide with President Macron’s recent announcement that France may recognise a Palestinian state as early as June, potentially during a UN conference in New York. Macron stated, “We must move towards recognition, and we will do so in the coming months.”
At present, the French government has not issued an official response to the visa cancellations. However, the situation underscores the complexities and sensitivities inherent in international relations within the region.
While France and the United Kingdom face increasing diplomatic strains in the Middle East, Italy, under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, positions itself as a diplomatic bridge between the United States and Europe. Meloni recently met with President Donald Trump at the White House, advocating for strengthened transatlantic ties and expressing optimism about reaching a trade agreement. She emphasised the importance of cooperation to “make the West great again.”
Despite challenges, Meloni’s approach reflects a commitment to maintaining open dialogue and balancing relationships across the Atlantic and within the Middle East. As tensions rise for some European nations, Italy’s diplomatic strategy may offer an alternative path for engagement in the region.