Sa'ar bars two left-wing French politicians from entering country over anti-Israel statements

Such statements included "accusations amounting to 'blood libels' against Israel," as well as Mélenchon’s call for French naval vessels to escort flotillas to Gaza.

Foreign and Interior Minister Gideon Sa'ar decided to bar the entry of left-wing France Unbowed (LFI) party leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon and French National Assembly Deputy Mathilde Panot into Israel over the pair's anti-Israel statements.

While Mélenchon serves as LFI's de facto leader, he is not a sitting member of government. Earlier this month, he announced he would run in the 2027 French presidential election, marking his fourth time running for the role.

The pair's statements included "accusations amounting to 'blood libels' against Israel," as well as Mélenchon’s call for French naval vessels to escort flotillas to Gaza, the Foreign Ministry explained in a Thursday evening statement.

"Israel will respond firmly to anyone who harms it, and will not permit the entry of individuals who act against the state and its citizens or incite against them," the statement concluded.

France bars Yossi Dagan from entering country 

The decision comes two days after The Jerusalem Post reported that France had barred Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council in the West Bank, from entering the country.

A French foreign ministry source told the Post at the time that Dagan was subject to an administrative ban from France "due to his active role in implementing the settlement policy in the West Bank."

Israel's Foreign Ministry condemned the decision, calling it "entirely unacceptable" and severe.