RFI denounces violation of press freedom after French reporter barred by Israel

The decision was announced on Thursday by Amichai Chikli, Israel's Minister for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism.

Froussard was refused entry to Israel when she arrived at Tel Aviv airport on Wednesday, despite having the required travel authorisation and a formal application for a press visa to work in the occupied West Bank, RFI said in a statement.

"RFI's management fully supports Alice Froussard and protests against this expulsion, which constitutes an obstacle to press freedom and comes at a time when journalists face growing difficulties covering events in the region," the statement read.

Israeli authorities did not provide RFI with an explanation, the broadcaster said, although Israeli media reported the government deemed comments she had made were hostile to Israel.

French authorities also expressed regret over the decision and reiterated their support for press freedom.

"We regret this decision, which nevertheless falls within the sovereignty of the Israeli authorities," foreign ministry spokesman Pascal Confavreux said during a press conference on Thursday.

He said diplomatic efforts had begun "as soon as French authorities became aware of the situation" and that the ministry had "mobilised fully, both in Paris and in Tel Aviv", to assist Froussard.

Israel responsible for half of journalist deaths in 2025, RSF report finds

'Extremely serious'

France's Society of Journalists and the Association of RFI Correspondents criticised what they described as a serious attack on press freedom.

The journalists' organisations said Froussard had spent six years reporting on the lives of Palestinians. "All her reports have only reflected facts, testimony and accounts reported with the greatest precision."

The press freedom body Reporters Without Borders (RSF) described the decision as "an extremely serious measure that restricts freedom".

The organisation noted that Israel continues to refuse international journalists independent access to the Gaza Strip.

RFI joins 135 NGOs and media groups in urging unrestricted press access to Gaza

"The expulsion of Alice Froussard from Israel is unjustifiable," said Jonathan Dagher, head of RSF's Middle East desk.

"This experienced correspondent, who has covered the West Bank for years, is one of the journalists who has the courage to go to the occupied Palestinian territories to work alongside Palestinian colleagues despite the growing security risks they face."

Dagher said the decision showed how far Israeli authorities were prepared to go to limit information reaching the international public from Palestine.

"While they have imposed a media blockade on Gaza for nearly three years, they are now further restricting information from the West Bank."