France Investigates Alleged Arms Shipments to Israel Amid Scandal

French authorities are investigating claims that a ban on military supplies to Israel has been violated, according to Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. He urged caution, stating that conclusions should await the investigation's results. Barrot affirmed on Wednesday, October 14, in response to a parliamentary question, "We do not sell weapons to Israel." The probe was initiated following a report by the publication L'Humanité alleging the shipment of military equipment to Israel. Earlier, on October 9, French trade unions and pro-Palestinian organizations attempted to disrupt the delivery of cargo for Elbit Systems, an Israeli defense contractor, via an El Al flight. President Emmanuel Macron had previously called for an arms embargo on Israel in October 2024, leading to a significant reduction in export licenses over the subsequent 18 months. In March 2026, Israel's Ministry of Defense announced it would cease purchases from France in response. A joint report by Urgence Palestine and the Palestinian Youth Movement, published by L'Humanité in early October 2026, claimed that 535 shipments of military goods were sent from France to Israel between October 2023 and March 2026, with an additional 35 shipments destined for Elbit Systems. The report noted that the Franco-Israeli trade agreement remains active, and the Israeli Prime Minister's plane had flown over French airspace despite an arrest warrant for Netanyahu from the International Criminal Court. Debates on export restrictions were held in the National Assembly at the initiative of the left-wing party La France Insoumise. Deputy Thomas Portes accused the government of inaction regarding the war in Gaza, asserting that major French manufacturers continue to supply Israel with military technology and that ministers are unwilling to declare a total embargo and enforce it. Barrot stated that the investigation began immediately after the report's publication. Previously, on October 9, the French Foreign Ministry defended the country's current military export policy, explaining that supplies are permitted only for defensive purposes or as components in equipment exported to third countries. The ministry emphasized France's adherence to international obligations, with strict parliamentary oversight and end-use guarantees for all such exports.