The Israeli ambassador to Paris, Joshua Zarka, confirmed that France’s choices in the war do not make it a friend of Israel.
Later, Reuters reported that France refused to allow Israel to cross its airspace to transport American weapons intended for use in the war against Iran.
A Western diplomat and two informed sources said that this refusal represents the first position of its kind taken by Paris since the outbreak of recent tensions.
Media reports also reported that Israel decided to suspend the sale of its defense products to France, in a move that reflects escalating tension in relations between the two sides.
The newspaper “Jerusalem Post”, citing senior Israeli sources, reported that the decision was issued under the official direction of Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz, emphasizing that such a measure is not usually taken without approval at the highest level, in reference to the role of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
According to these sources, the decision came as a result of what Tel Aviv considers a negative change in Paris’ position over the past two years, which prompted it to reconsider the level of confidence regarding sharing technology and defense products.
One official indicated that France’s position on some military moves, including not allowing US aircraft to pass through its airspace en route to Israel, was a decisive factor in making the decision.
The sources also pointed out that Israel is dissatisfied with French policy towards Lebanon, considering that Paris has not taken sufficient steps to limit Hezbollah’s influence, and has sometimes sought to restrict Israeli moves against it.
On the other hand, the sources explained that previously signed contracts will remain valid, and that private companies are still able to conclude new deals. It also indicated the possibility that Israel will continue to import some defense products from France, despite the recent decline in this cooperation.
