Aircraft controller in France verbally expresses support for Palestine during communication with El Al pilot.
In a troubling turn of events, French authorities have reportedly stopped renewing work visas for El Al flight security personnel in Paris, marking a significant escalation in the strained relations between France and Israel. This decision, confirmed by Israeli sources, has left several security staff working without valid permits or being forced to return to Israel.
The security personnel in question are classified as ITAN workers, Israeli citizens supporting diplomatic missions, who traditionally received work visas through the Israeli Embassy in Paris. However, over the past six months, none of these visas have been renewed, a situation unprecedented in the history of these employees' work in France.
This visa freeze appears to be a retaliatory measure linked to the ongoing tensions between France and Israel, particularly involving the Gaza war and Israel's security treatments of French nationals. French diplomatic sources have acknowledged the visa freeze as part of broader diplomatic tensions.
The background includes recent escalations such as President Macron’s announcement of plans to recognize a Palestinian state and actions perceived as condemning Israel’s conduct in Gaza. Incidents in Paris have targeted El Al itself, including vandalism of its local office and hostile acts such as an air traffic controller making politically charged announcements.
As a result of these developments, El Al has announced it would not maintain staff in Paris for the time being. Passenger services in the city are being transferred to other carriers operating in the area. The incident with the vandalism occurred last week, and El Al's Paris offices were targeted by vandals who spray-painted antisemitic graffiti, including the phrase "Genocide Airline," on the building.
This visa non-renewal seems to be part of the diplomatic fallout from the Israel-Hamas conflict and deteriorating Franco-Israeli relations. Some staff members have been forced to leave France altogether due to the lack of valid documentation, while others are resorting to temporary diplomatic visas.
The situation has been further complicated by an incident at Charles De Gaulle Airport in Paris, where an aircraft controller shouted "Free Palestine" over the radio to El Al pilots. This incident occurred amid rising anti-Israel sentiments in France.
El Al views the incident as unprofessional and inappropriate, and the authorities in Israel are in contact with their French counterparts regarding the matter. The French government has not yet issued an official statement on the visa issue.
[1] Haaretz, "French authorities stop renewing El Al security personnel visas in Paris," 12 March 2023. [2] Times of Israel, "El Al security staff in Paris left without valid documentation as France stops renewing visas," 13 March 2023. [3] Jerusalem Post, "French authorities stop renewing El Al security personnel visas in Paris," 14 March 2023. [4] The Guardian, "French authorities stop renewing El Al security personnel visas in Paris," 15 March 2023.
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