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French lawmakers are preparing to vote on a government-backed bill that supporters say is needed to tackle evolving forms of antisemitism, but critics argue would silence criticism of Israel. The legislation, which has sparked intense debate across the political spectrum, comes amid a sharp rise in anti-Jewish incidents in France following the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel.

Coverage comparison

Reports from multiple outlets, including Reuters, RFI, and the Jerusalem Post, describe a bill that would create new criminal offences for "implicit" incitement to terrorism and public calls for the "destruction of a state recognised by the French Republic." The bill, known as the "Yadan law" after centrist MP Caroline Yadan, would also extend the definition of glorification of terrorism to cover perpetrators of attacks.

While proponents frame the legislation as necessary to address what they describe as "new forms" of antisemitism, critics—including rights groups, academics, and left-wing politicians—fear it could be used to suppress pro-Palestinian activism. A petition opposing the bill has gathered more than 600,000 signatures, according to reports cited by RFI.

Key claims

  • The bill would make it a criminal offence to call for the destruction of a state recognised by France, punishable by up to five years in prison and a €45,000 fine.
  • It would extend existing laws on incitement to terrorism to cover "implicit" incitement, a move critics argue is overly broad.
  • The bill proposes to tie hatred of Israel to hatred of Jews, a concept some legal experts say could conflate criticism of Israeli government policy with antisemitism.
  • In Italy, a separate bill would make it the first country to enshrine the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism into law. The definition includes certain criticisms of Israel as examples of antisemitism.

Perspectives

Proponents of the laws argue that they are necessary to combat rising antisemitism. They point to data showing a significant increase in antisemitic acts since October 2023, with over 960 incidents recorded in Italy in 2025, marking a 100% rise from the previous year. In France, while the number of antisemitic acts decreased by 16% in 2025 compared to 2024, they remain at historic highs, according to figures from the French Interior Ministry.

"The (IHRA) definition confuses what is permitted speech - and that is criticism of Israel as a state - with what is prohibited speech, which is antisemitism and racial and religious incitement to violence," said Irene Khan, UN special rapporteur on free speech, in comments carried by Reuters.

Opponents argue that the law's language is dangerously vague. Law professor François Dubuisson, quoted by RFI, claims the reform is unnecessary and could have a chilling effect on freedom of expression. Cécile Marquerie, advocacy coordinator for a platform of pro-Palestine NGOs, has also raised concerns over free speech, according to the same report.

Outlook

The French bill has lost some political backing following the mass petition against it, and its path through parliament remains uncertain. The Italian bill, however, was approved by a large majority in the Upper House and is expected to begin its passage through the Lower House this week. If adopted, it would make Italy the first country to write the IHRA definition into law.