France’s Insoumis MP Sébastien Delogu Says He Will File a Complaint Over Violence and Threats Linked to His Views on Israel
French left-wing lawmaker Sébastien Delogu has filed a complaint after what he says was an insult, assault, and death threat in Marseille on the evening of Monday, May 25, 2026. According to the complaint reviewed by AFP, a man driving alongside Delogu’s car stopped next to him and shouted “Am Israel hai,” a Hebrew phrase meaning “the people of Israel live.” Delogu says the driver accused him of hating Jews, spat on his vehicle and on him, and then threatened to kill him.
The incident took place in the city center while Delogu was in his car with two passengers. Delogu, a member of the hard-left La France Insoumise party and a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause, confirmed to AFP that he had filed a complaint. He said he was “very shaken” by what he described as another episode linked to his pro-Palestinian positions.
The case comes amid a highly sensitive political climate in France, where debates over the Israel-Hamas war, antisemitism, and support for Palestinians have intensified public tensions. Delogu has been one of the most prominent French politicians to take a strongly pro-Palestinian stance, making him a frequent target of criticism and controversy.
According to the complaint, the alleged aggressor not only insulted Delogu but also spat on the deputy’s car before spitting on him personally. Delogu said the man’s behavior escalated quickly and left him concerned for his safety. The presence of two passengers in the vehicle did not prevent the confrontation from unfolding, according to the account provided to AFP.
Delogu’s office did not immediately provide further details about the investigation, and authorities have not publicly commented on the incident. The complaint adds to the series of political and social flashpoints surrounding elected officials in France since the start of the Gaza war, as public demonstrations, online threats, and hostile encounters have increasingly affected the national debate.
Delogu, elected under the LFI banner, has built a profile through outspoken criticism of Israeli military operations and strong advocacy for Palestinians. His positions have made him a polarizing figure, particularly in Marseille and on the national stage. Supporters view him as a forceful voice against injustice, while critics accuse him of inflaming tensions in an already divided political environment.
The reported assault in Marseille highlights the risks faced by public figures in France amid heightened communal sensitivities. It also underscores the difficulties of separating political disagreement from hate speech and violence, especially when issues tied to identity, religion, and the Middle East are involved.
As the complaint is examined, the incident is likely to draw attention from both political allies and opponents of Delogu, who has repeatedly defended his positions despite controversy. For now, he says he is seeking legal recourse after an encounter that he describes as threatening and deeply disturbing.
