On Saturday, December 23rd, the President of the National Assembly, Yaël Braun-Pivet, decided to reject the request to lift the parliamentary immunity of Meyer Habib. This request, put forward by 39 left-wing deputies, accused him of endorsing Israeli war crimes in Gaza.
In a public response, members of the radical left-wing movement La France insoumise (LFI) expressed their disagreement with the decision of the President of the National Assembly. According to them, the statements made by Meyer Habib in the parliamentary chamber, while controversial, are protected by the principle of irresponsibility under Article 26 of the Constitution.
The controversy erupted during a session of questions to the government, where Meyer Habib uttered the phrase: And it s not over! in response to the death of a Quai d Orsay agent, caused by Israeli bombings on a residential building in Gaza. Some socialist, environmental, and rebellious deputies believe that these statements could be seen as an endorsement of war crimes.
Meyer Habib, a deputy representing French citizens abroad and a staunch supporter of the Israeli state, vigorously responded to the accusations against him. He labeled the left-wing lawmakers initiative as a damp squib aimed at diverting attention from what he perceives as the endorsement of terrorism, denialism, and anti-Semitism within their ranks since October 7th.
The decision of the President of the National Assembly has sparked significant dissatisfaction within the radical left, with some denouncing the fact that supporters of Israeli war criminals seem to be protecting each other. Deputy Thomas Portes declared on the X platform: So, a French deputy can openly endorse war crimes without any consequences. What a shame!
