On Tuesday, France’s foreign ministry criticized Israel’s embassy for “unacceptable” conduct after it prohibited two French groups, including elected officials, from entering Israel, claiming that the groups were associated with a terrorist organization.
The action included revoking entry visas for 27 French left-wing legislators and municipal officials mere days ahead of their scheduled trip to Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Israel’s Interior Ministry reported that the exclusion was imposed on the basis of a law providing for authorities to bar entry to persons or groups who are likely to act in a way detrimental to the State of Israel.
Israel’s embassy said Monday that it would not permit any delegation or individual connected to the France-Palestine Solidarity Association (AFPS) or the Decentralised Cooperation Network for Palestine to enter the country due to their affiliation with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. Both the US and the EU have classified the PFLP as a terrorist organization.
Israel’s decision to cancel the travel permits for the two groups, which included elected French politicians, was deemed regretful, ineffective, and detrimental to Franco-Israeli ties by France’s foreign ministry.
“The public allegations from the Israeli Embassy in France claim connections between these associations and terrorist organizations unacceptable,”
said the ministry of Foreign Affairs.
It demanded that Israel change its mind.
Israel-France relations have deteriorated considerably in the last year, fueled by contentious policy differences, public diplomatic rows, and recent controversies involving official missions. French President Emmanuel Macron has demanded a partial arms embargo against Israel and encouraged a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon.
This position has attracted fierce public criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who accused Macron and other Western leaders of deserting Israel and described their position as a “disgrace” and “shameful”. French officials, however, contend that stopping arms transfers is a question of consistency with demands for peace and civilian protection
The war in Gaza and the mounting disquiet in Paris about Israel’s handling of the crisis have strained Franco-Israeli relations in recent months. Israeli leaders were incensed when President Emmanuel Macron hinted earlier in April that Paris would recognize a Palestinian state later this year, subject to many requirements.
“Israel is acting within its right, under local and international law, to prevent the entry into its territory of delegations composed of organisations that seek to delegitimize its existence and undermine its security,”
stated the embassy.
“We encourage any member of the delegation wishing to travel to Israel to contact the Israeli Embassy to arrange a visit that will not be managed by an organisation supporting terrorism,”
stated the statement.
