By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said the government intends to criminalize anti-Zionism, announcing plans to advance legislation that would outlaw certain anti-Zionist expressions, citing concerns that such rhetoric amounts to a denial of Israel’s right to exist.

Lecornu made the announcement during remarks at the annual gathering of the French Jewish Institutions Council, where he said the government would move beyond existing penalties for what he described as classic antisemitism.

“In April, we will bring to Parliament a bill that criminalizes anti-Zionist expressions,” Lecornu said.

In his address, Lecornu framed the proposed legislation as a response to what he characterized as ideological language that targets the foundations of the Jewish state.

“To define oneself as anti-Zionist is to question Israel’s right to exist. It’s a call for the destruction of an entire people under the guise of ideology,” he said.

Lecornu also sought to distinguish between political debate and incitement, emphasizing that criticism of Israeli policy would not be the focus of the proposed law.

“There is a difference between legitimate criticism of the Israeli government and rejecting the very existence of the Jewish state. This ‘blurring’ must stop,” he said.

The government will back a private member’s bill introduced by Jewish Member of Parliament Caroline Yadan, who represents French citizens living abroad, including thousands residing in Israel.

The proposed legislation is expected to be brought before Parliament in April.

Supporters of the initiative estimate that, with backing from right-wing parties, the bill is likely to secure the majority needed for passage.

Lecornu described the measure as a significant step in the government’s approach to combating antisemitism, signaling a tougher legal stance toward expressions it views as crossing from political discourse into incitement.