• Israel canceled visas for 27 French lawmakers two days before their scheduled visit.
• The French delegation denounced the action as "collective punishment."
• The move follows France's indication of potential recognition of a Palestinian state.
• Israeli officials cited national security concerns in their decision.
• This incident heightens existing diplomatic tensions between Israel and France.

Israel's government revoked visas for 27 French lawmakers and officials just two days before their planned visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories. The group, which included members from France's Ecologist Party and Communist Party, intended to promote "international cooperation and a culture of peace" during their five-day trip organized by the French consulate in Jerusalem, according to SCMP.

The revocation of the entry permits has been denounced by the lawmakers as "collective punishment" and a "major breach of diplomatic ties." They have called for French President Emmanuel Macron to take a strong stance against this decision, reflecting their role as elected representatives of the French state, reports India Times.

Israel's Interior Ministry defended the visa cancellations, asserting that the lawmakers were barred based on a law permitting the denial of entry to those who have publicly supported boycotts against Israel. The ministry claimed the delegation intended to show support for Palestinians and an organization advocating for boycotting Israel, as stated in Middle East Eye.

These developments come on the heels of Macron's recent remarks suggesting that France might soon recognize a Palestinian state, which has drawn ire from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who referred to such recognition as "a huge reward for terrorism." This situation not only escalates tensions between the two nations but also follows similar incidents where Israel barred entry to British MPs, as referenced in Middle East Eye.