Israel bans Jean-Luc Mélenchon from entering, amid his criticism of the war in Gaza: “I never asked to enter”

Israel barred French politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon from entering its territory on Thursday, November 12, accusing him of hostility toward Israel and incitement to hatred. Mélenchon is a candidate for the French presidency and leader of the radical left-wing party La France Insoumise (LFI).

The Israeli Foreign Ministry said the measure targets those who try to harm Israel’s interests or spread accusations against its citizens. Minister Gideon Saar specified that the ban also applies to Mathilde Panot, chairwoman of the LFI parliamentary group.

According to the Israeli official, the two had made “false accusations” regarding crimes attributed to Israel. Mélenchon recently condemned, at an electoral rally held near Paris, what he called the “genocide” in Gaza—an accusation categorically rejected by the Israeli authorities—and criticized the gradual annexation of the occupied West Bank.

The French politician told France Info that he had “never asked” to enter Israel and accused the Israeli government of pursuing him. Saar also claimed that Mélenchon had called for the French navy to escort flotillas bound for Gaza.