Israel Revokes French Reporter's Visa as Entry Denials Rise

Israel has withdrawn an entry visa issued to a French journalist just days after granting it, part of a rise in entry denials affecting foreign visitors to the country. Four foreign journalists were refused entry last week, and a U.S. researcher said she was questioned at the border.

Key facts

• Israel's Population and Immigration Authority revoked an entry visa last week, days after it had been issued
• The visa belonged to Sylvain Mercadier, a journalist for the French daily L'Humanité
• Mercadier had been scheduled to cover Israel's upcoming election
• Four foreign journalists were denied entry to Israel last week
• A U.S. researcher said she was questioned about her criticism of Israel's conduct in Gaza

What happened?

Israel's Population and Immigration Authority revoked the entry visa of Sylvain Mercadier, a reporter for the French newspaper L'Humanité, last week — only days after the visa had been granted. Mercadier had been due to travel to Israel to report on the country's upcoming election.

Who else has been affected?

Mercadier's case is not isolated. Four foreign journalists were denied entry to Israel last week. In addition, a U.S. researcher said she was questioned about her criticism of Israel's conduct in Gaza.

No reason has been given for the revocation of Mercadier's visa or for the other entry denials.

What this means for travellers

The case shows that being granted an entry visa is not a guarantee of admission: the document can be withdrawn before travel, as happened here. Foreign nationals planning to enter Israel — including those travelling for reporting or research work — should be aware that entry decisions can change after a visa is issued.

No further changes to Israel's entry rules have been announced, and no date has been given for the election Mercadier was to cover.