Politics
European Parliament opens procedures after MEP Rima Hassan removes Israeli flag; threats follow
October 8, 2026 at 05:30 PM
French MEP Rima Hassan removed the Israeli flag from an October 7 memorial exhibition in Strasbourg, prompting institutional procedures and armed threats.
- Hassan's office said she removed the Israeli flag, while the European Union flag fell unintentionally and neither was damaged.
- Parliament President Roberta Metsola said the institution has launched procedures under its rules, respecting Hassan's right to be heard.
- Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar called the act "shameful and infuriating," saying it showed disrespect for the institution.
- A video showed an armed man wearing an Israeli flag issuing threats against Hassan.