Mon Apr 21 05:36:00 UTC 2025: ## Israel Cancels Visas for 27 French Lawmakers Amidst Growing Diplomatic Tensions
**Paris, April 21, 2025** – Israel has cancelled the visas of 27 French left-wing lawmakers and local officials, just two days before they were scheduled to visit Israel and the Palestinian territories. The move, which follows the recent barring of two British MPs and two European parliamentarians, has been condemned as a “major rupture in diplomatic ties” and sparked outrage among the French delegation.
The group, comprised of members from France’s Ecologist and Communist parties, along with mayors and other local officials, had planned a five-day trip focused on strengthening international cooperation and peace. Their visas, approved a month prior, were revoked under an Israeli law allowing the banning of individuals deemed a threat to the state.
The French lawmakers denounced the action as “collective punishment,” citing President Emmanuel Macron’s recent announcement that France may soon recognize a Palestinian state as a likely cause. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vehemently opposed this move, calling it a “huge reward for terrorism.”
This incident further escalates tensions between Israel and France, mirroring the fallout after Israel prevented two British Labour MPs from entering the country earlier this month. The British Foreign Secretary called that action “unacceptable.” The French delegation has demanded a meeting with President Macron and called on the French government to intervene. The situation highlights a deepening rift between Israel and several European nations over its policies concerning Palestine.
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