'Israel' blocks French visit amid Macron’s Palestine recognition push

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli media
21 Apr 2025 09:28

"Israel" revokes visas for French MPs after Macron signals intent to recognize Palestinian state, despite the approval of the visit and their visas months ago.

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French President Emmanuel Macron speaks during an awards ceremony for those who contributed to the restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral at the Elysee Palace in Paris, on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. (AP)

"Israel" has barred entry to 27 left-wing French parliamentarians who had planned to visit the occupied West Bank, citing their stance on the Israeli occupation and France’s shifting position on the Palestinian cause.

The Israeli Interior Ministry confirmed on Sunday that the lawmakers’ visas had been revoked just days before their scheduled arrival.

The decision comes as diplomatic tensions mount following French President Emmanuel Macron’s remarks indicating that France may recognize a Palestinian state in the near future.

Macron’s recognition plans spark 'diplomatic rift'

The group of lawmakers from France’s Green and Communist parties was set to travel to occupied Palestine between April 20 and 24, but had their visas revoked, although they had been approved a month earlier.

The delegation condemned "Israel’s" move as "collective punishment" and issued a public appeal for intervention by President Emmanuel Macron.

"Canceling our visas 48 hours before departure represents a significant rupture in diplomatic relations with France," the delegation said, accusing "Israel" of targeting them for their pro-Palestinian advocacy.

Moreover, the group emphasized that such visits have, for over three decades, contributed to peaceful cooperation and international dialogue.

Netanyahu responds to Macron's move

Macron has faced growing pressure from both domestic and international actors to take a clear stance on Palestinian statehood. In March, during a joint conference with Saudi officials in New York, he stated that recognizing Palestine was "not taboo" and could happen “by June.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu harshly criticized the prospect, reportedly warning Macron that such a move would be a “huge reward for terror.”

His son, Yair Netanyahu, went further, insulting the French president in a social media post that drew backlash for its vulgarity.

Earlier in April, Macron announced that France is preparing to recognize a Palestinian state within the coming months, with a formal move possibly taking place at a United Nations conference in New York this June.

Speaking to France 5 television, Macron said, "We must move toward recognition, and we will do so in the coming months." He noted that the planned recognition could be finalized during a conference co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, aimed at settling the Palestinian issue.

"Our aim is to chair this conference with Saudi Arabia in June, where we could finalize this movement of mutual recognition [of a Palestinian state] by several parties," Macron stated.

Israeli law cited in visa cancellations

In this context, "Israel’s" Interior Ministry cited national legislation that allows authorities to deny entry to foreign nationals who are believed to support actions against the occupation.

According to officials, the French MPs fell under this classification due to their past criticism of the Israeli occupation and their support for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement.

This is not the first time "Israel" has blocked political figures from entering its territory. Similar restrictions were imposed on British MPs and members of the European Parliament in previous years under the same legal grounds.