Israel said Thursday it would ban French hard-left presidential contender Jean-Luc Mélenchon from entering the country after he vowed that, if elected, French vessels would help force aid into Gaza, France 24 reports.

“Israel will respond firmly to those who seek to harm it and will not allow individuals who act against Israel and incite against its citizens to enter the country,” the Israeli foreign ministry said.

The ban also covers Mathilde Panot, parliamentary group chair of Mélenchon’s France Unbowed (LFI) party. The move comes a day after France confirmed it had refused entry to the head of a body representing settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Mélenchon, a fierce critic of Israel with no apparent travel plans there, said Saturday that if elected France would “act directly in support of the Palestinians” in Gaza and the West Bank, and French ships would escort activist flotillas if needed.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot denounced on X what he called a “demagogic decision” from a government that has repeatedly violated international law, arguing it plays into the hands of those who exploit the conflict.

Israel has blockaded Gaza since Hamas took over in 2007 and tightened access after the 7 October 2023 attack. Flotillas have sought to break the siege; some activists from a flotilla intercepted earlier this year alleged abuse in custody, charges Israel denies.

Israel earlier banned British left-wing lawmakers including Jeremy Corbyn after London sanctioned settlement products.

Israel to ban far-left French politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon from entry — France 24

Image: Wikimedia Commons — Jean-Luc Mélenchon, Belfort 2024 (CC BY 4.0).

Sources consulted: Israel to ban far-left French politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon from entry — France 24.