France has strongly objected to Israel’s decision to block two French delegations from entering its territory, calling the move unjustified and harmful to bilateral ties.
The French Foreign Ministry criticized the action after the Israeli Embassy in Paris claimed that the delegations were linked to a Palestinian group considered a terrorist organization by several Western nations.
The ban targeted members of the Decentralised Cooperation Network for Palestine and the France-Palestine Solidarity Association. Israel alleges that both organizations have ties to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, or PFLP. This group is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union. Israel stated it would not allow any delegation associated with these bodies to enter the country.
French officials responded with frustration, saying that Israel’s decision to revoke travel permissions for the delegations undermines longstanding relations. The French Foreign Ministry dismissed the allegations made by the Israeli Embassy and labeled the public accusations as unacceptable. They also demanded that Israel reconsider the ban to avoid further damaging diplomatic relations.
The dispute comes at a tense moment in Franco-Israeli relations. Paris has expressed increasing concern over Israel’s actions in Gaza, especially after recent rulings by the International Court of Justice referred to the situation as a potential genocide. French President Emmanuel Macron has hinted that France may formally recognize a Palestinian state later this year, a move that has further strained ties with Israeli leaders.
In its statement, the Israeli Embassy defended its stance, arguing that it has the legal right to deny entry to any group or individual believed to support terrorism or question the legitimacy of the Israeli state. The embassy also said it is open to working with individuals from the delegations if they wish to visit Israel outside the framework of these organizations.
So far, the delegations themselves have not issued any public response. As tensions continue to rise, the incident highlights growing friction between France and Israel over how to address the Palestinian issue and the broader conflict in the region.