Israel has abruptly canceled entry visas for 27 French lawmakers and local officials just two days before their scheduled diplomatic visit to Israel and Palestinian territories, according to Times of India.

The delegation, primarily composed of members from France’s left-wing ecologist and communist parties, had been invited by the French consulate in Jerusalem for a five-day official program aimed at promoting peace and international cooperation.

Israel’s interior ministry justified the cancellations under legislation permitting authorities to deny entry to individuals deemed threats to national interests.

The banned lawmakers condemned the action as “collective punishment” and a “major rupture in diplomatic ties,” calling on President Emmanuel Macron to intervene and pressure Israel to reverse its decision.

The incident occurs amid growing tensions over Palestinian statehood recognition. The lawmakers noted their political parties have historically supported Palestinian statehood, a position President Macron recently signaled France might formally adopt.

During a recent international summit, Macron indicated that France may recognize a Palestinian state as early as June.

Netanyahu has consistently opposed international recognition of Palestinian statehood, characterizing such moves as “a reward for terrorism.”

Read more at Times of India