French government condemns Israel entry ban on Jean-Luc Melenchon

The French government has condemned Israel for blocking left-wing political leader and presidential contender Jean-Luc Melenchon from the country.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot described the move as a "demagogic decision" by the government of Benjamin Netanyahu, which he said "has repeatedly violated international law".

Barrot, an opponent of Melenchon and his La France Insoumise (LFI) party, said Israel's move “plays into the hands of those who, like La France Insoumise, live off the instrumentalisation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict”.

The ban on Melenchon was announced on Thursday, citing the veteran politician's criticism of Israel's occupation and genocide in Gaza.

Israeli Interior Minister Gideon Sa’ar accused Melenchon of "blood libels" against Israel, specifically citing his promise last week to send ships to accompany Gaza aid flotillas if elected president.