Defense supplies to Israel cause scandal in France
A scandal has erupted in France over a possible violation of the arms embargo on Israel. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced an investigation following the publication of a report on the shipment of hundreds of military cargoes. Barrot stated that France does not sell weapons to Israel, but an investigation has been launched.
A political scandal has erupted in France over a possible violation of the arms embargo on Israel. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced the launch of an official investigation after the publication of a report by the left-wing newspaper L'Humanité. According to the report, between October 2023 and March 2026, 535 shipments of military-grade products were sent from France to Israel, with an additional 35 cargoes destined for the Israeli defense company Elbit Systems. Barrot, responding to a query from a National Assembly deputy, unequivocally stated: "We do not sell weapons to Israel," but acknowledged that an investigation has been launched. Earlier, on October 9, French trade unions and pro-Palestinian organizations attempted to block a shipment for Elbit Systems on an El Al flight. President Macron first called for an arms embargo on Israel in October 2024, after which the number of export licenses was sharply reduced. In March 2026, the Israeli Defense Ministry responded by halting purchases in France. Deputy Thomas Port from the left-wing party "La France Insoumise" accused the government of inaction. The French Foreign Ministry, for its part, stated that shipments are only permitted for defensive purposes or for re-export to third countries.