JERUSALEM: Israel said on Thursday it would ban French hard-left presidential contender Jean-Luc Melenchon from visiting after he vowed that if he were elected, French vessels would accompany activists hoping to force aid into Gaza. “Israel will respond firmly to those who seek to harm it and will not allow individuals who act against Israel and incite against its citizens to enter the country,” the Israeli foreign ministry said in a statement. The announcement comes a day after France confir