PARIS, Aug 15: The French government has taken exception to the arrest by Israel of five of its citizens for taking part in a march against Israel incursions.

A government spokesman said France had been assured by Israel that the five would “soon be deported” back to France.

A foreign ministry spokesman said: “We have been informed of the arrest and detention by Israeli authorities of five French nationals who had gone to Israel to take part in a peaceful demonstration. Our consular representatives were immediately mobilised to offer them assistance under provisions of the Vienna Convention.”