France rebukes Israel for banning opposition leaders Mélenchon, Panot

France has denounced Israel's decision to block entry to French presidential contender Jean-Luc Melenchon and a senior party official, labeling it as "demagogic". The Foreign Ministry cited Melenchon's and the party's "extreme anti-Israel stance" and "outrageous statements" as the reasons for the ban. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called the move a "demagogic decision" made by a government known for violating international law, accusing it of exploiting the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for political gain.

Barrot's statement came as the Israeli government barred Melenchon and Mathilde Panot, the chair of the party's parliamentary group, for allegedly spreading "blood libels" against Israel and calling for French ships to escort illegal flotillas to Gaza. In response, Melenchon expressed his frustration, stating that French vessels would aid activists attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. He also criticized the Israeli government for pursuing him relentlessly during his presidential campaign.