Diplomatic frictions between France and Israel over particular security checks for diplomats at airports
In recent times, a dispute between France and Israel has emerged, centering around airport security measures and visa issues involving El Al airline security guards. The French government has halted work visa renewals for these Israeli El Al security personnel, specifically ITAN workers serving Israeli diplomatic missions in Paris [1][2].
The root of the issue lies in the systematic security checks that Israeli agents have been conducting on French diplomatic staff departing from Israel, particularly at Charles de Gaulle Airport. French diplomatic sources have criticized these checks as excessive [1]. In response, France initiated administrative measures, including the suspension of visa renewals for the El Al security guards working in France. Without visa renewals, these guards have either remained in France irregularly or obtained diplomatic visas through the Israeli embassy [1].
News website Ynet reported that El Al has directed questions to the Israeli Foreign Ministry and the Shin Bet internal security agency regarding the situation. A dialogue between French and Israeli officials is ongoing to resolve the dispute, though no permanent solution has yet been announced [1].
This situation has coincided with increasing tensions, marked by anti-Israel vandalism targeting El Al's Paris offices and Israeli diplomatic missions in the Netherlands [1][3][4]. Israeli officials have linked some of these incidents to political tensions with France under President Emmanuel Macron.
France, known for having one of Europe's largest Jewish communities, has refrained from appearing to punish Israel, framing instead its bid to recognise Palestine as the best way forward for peace in the region. Much to Israel's anger, Mr Macron announced France's intention to recognise Palestinian statehood in September [5].
In a separate development, Germany announced last week that it would stop selling arms that can be used in Gaza, marking a significant policy shift [6]. This move has inspired other members of the Group of Seven, including the UK and Canada, to announce they would follow suit [7].
Meanwhile, anti-Semitic acts in France nearly quadrupled after the attacks but decreased by 6 per cent in 2024 [8]. There have been no details given on the measures taken by the French government to address the situation.
The Israeli embassy in the Netherlands was also vandalized with red paint on Tuesday, according to the Israeli Foreign Ministry [9]. The French government has not issued visa bans against far-right Israeli cabinet ministers, unlike Slovenia and the Netherlands [10].
The ongoing dispute between France and Israel over airport security measures and visa issues remains a topic of interest for both parties, who are seeking a solution that satisfies them in this diplomatic standoff.
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