Israel Stops Security Purchases from France Over “Hostile” Lebanon Shift

Israel has moved to halt new security procurement from France, signaling a deepening rupture in defense ties as political tensions escalate over Lebanon operations and arms policy disputes.

The decision, directed by Defense Minister Israel Katz and Defense Ministry Director-General Amir Baram, follows what Israeli officials described as a “hostile” shift in French policy. Existing contracts will remain in place, and private-sector deals are still permitted.

Israeli officials cited France’s support for international efforts to curb arms transfers, including backing a UN resolution calling for an embargo, although Paris abstained. Restrictions on Israeli participation in defense exhibitions also contributed to the move.

In June, 5 Israeli arms manufacturers were barred from showcasing offensive systems at the Paris Air Show, though 4 were later allowed. By November, all Israeli firms were permitted to attend the Milipol trade show.

French arms exports to Israel totaled €27.1 million in 2024, with deliveries at €16.1 million - levels broadly consistent with the past 10 years. While modest in scale, the halt carries political weight.

France says it stopped selling offensive weapons in 2024, limiting exports to “defensive” components. However, Amnesty International France said: “no, these are not just so-called ‘defensive’ weapons,” citing investigations into components allegedly used in Gaza.

Relations have further deteriorated over Lebanon. President Emmanuel Macron criticized Israeli plans for a security zone, while Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot expressed “reservations” about Israeli ground operations.

Barrot said Lebanon had shown “unprecedented openness” to talks, while Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar countered that Lebanese authorities were not taking “any meaningful action against Hezbollah.”

Tensions escalated after incidents involving French personnel in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). According to BFMTV, 3 separate incidents occurred on Saturday.

French officials said Israeli forces pointed weapons at UNIFIL leadership and targeted a logistics convoy and rapid reaction unit, both involving French troops. Barrot condemned the incidents as “unacceptable and unjustifiable.”