French Journalist Removed From Israel Over Alleged Anti-Israel Statements

French journalist Alice Froussard was removed from Israel today (Thursday), after the Diaspora Affairs Ministry recommended blocking her reentry into the country. The move came after she expressed anti-Israel positions that, according to the ministry, gave legitimacy to the Hamas attack on October 7.

The decision was made by Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli, following a recommendation submitted by the ministry’s director general, Avi Cohen Scali. The process began as part of a review conducted after Froussard requested a new work visa on behalf of Radio France (Radio France), ahead of her return to Israel for a permanent reporting role in the country.

According to the Diaspora Affairs Ministry, information was gathered during the review regarding a series of Froussard’s public statements. Among other claims, the ministry said she described Israeli laws as "draconian," argued that a dual legal system exists in Israel that she said serves as an example of "apartheid," and referred to the Hamas attack on October 7 by saying that "the attack must be examined within its context."

Following the findings presented to the Diaspora Affairs Minister, it was decided not to approve her reentry into Israel. Froussard was then placed on a flight to France, which was expected to depart from Ben Gurion Airport in the coming hours.

The move drew sharp reactions from diplomatic officials. According to the report, the French Embassy in Israel expressed anger over the decision to remove the journalist and prevent her from returning to Israel as part of her journalistic work.

Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli addressed the decision: "The rules of the game have changed: anyone who supports Hamas and anyone who supports the boycott movement against the State of Israel will not enter it." Chikli also linked the move to tensions with the French leadership: "To President Macron and Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, who granted Hamas recognition in a Palestinian state while our hostages were languishing in captivity, and who impose sanctions on Israeli ministers and citizens, I say: you made this decision very easy for me."