🇫🇷✈️ Tensions between Israel and France heated up this week after Israeli authorities abruptly canceled visas for 27 French left-wing lawmakers and local officials days before their planned trip to Israel and Palestinian territories. The move comes amid a diplomatic chill following French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent pledge to recognize a Palestinian state.
🔍 Context Check
This marks the third high-profile entry ban issued by Israel in under two weeks. Earlier, two UK Labour Party MPs were barred from entering the country. Analysts say Israel is tightening scrutiny of foreign officials critical of its handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict and Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.
💬 Macron has publicly urged Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to address civilian safety in Gaza, signaling a potential policy clash between the two nations. Israel’s Interior Ministry cited a law permitting entry bans on individuals perceived as acting against state interests to justify the visa cancellations.
