Tel Aviv cancels visas for French lawmakers and officials

This move comes just days after Tel Aviv barred two British lawmakers from the ruling Labor Party from entering the occupied territories.

The Israeli regime’s action takes place amid diplomatic tensions and follows French President Emmanuel Macron’s statement that Paris will soon recognize the state of Palestine.

Macron has also sought to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the situation in Gaza amid the ongoing war by the occupiers against Palestine.

Israel’s Interior Ministry announced the visa cancellations for the 27 individuals based on a law that allows authorities to prohibit the entry of those who may act against the Israeli government.

Seventeen members of the group intending to travel to the occupied territories, from France’s environmentalist and communist parties, stated they were victims of Israel’s “collective punishment” and called on Macron to intervene.

In a statement, they said they had received an invitation from the French Consulate in occupied Jerusalem for a five-day visit.