Israel cancels visas for a French delegation ahead of their planned visit to Israeli and Palestinian territories.

Israeli authorities have decided to cancel entry visas for 27 French deputies and local officials, just two days before their scheduled visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories. The decision was made under a law granting Israel the authority to "prevent the entry of individuals suspected of acting against its interests," according to a statement from the Israeli Ministry of Interior. Seventeen members of the delegation, affiliated with the French Green Party and the French Communist Party, considered this action as a "collective punishment," urging French President Emmanuel Macron to intervene. They stated that the visit, organized by the French Consulate in Jerusalem, aimed to enhance international cooperation and a culture of peace during a five-day tour. The members expressed their dismay at the sudden decision, saying, "For the first time, our visas are canceled just a month after being issued, only two days before our departure. We demand clarification on this seemingly arbitrary measure." This move comes days after Israel barred a British Labour Party parliamentary delegation from entering its territories. Among the French delegation members are deputies like François Ruffin, Alexis Corbière, and Julie Ozier (from the Green Party), as well as the Communist deputy Soumia Bourouha and Senate member Marianne Marguet, in addition to left-wing mayors and local legislators. This step is part of the escalating diplomatic tension between Israel and France, especially after President Macron's statement declaring that France will "soon recognize a Palestinian state." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded angrily, describing any step towards establishing a Palestinian state at this time as a "reward for terrorism."