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France has suspended work visas for security personnel of El Al, Israel’s national flag carrier, after months of friction over the airline’s screening of French diplomats at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris
El Al says its strict security checks — applied to all passengers — are essential due to ongoing threats against Israel and Israeli aviation.
A French government source told The Times of Israel that for many months, members of France’s diplomatic corps stationed in Israel and Jerusalem have faced systematic pre-flight screening by El Al security staff in Paris. French officials view this as problematic, and the matter is now the subject of direct talks with the Israeli Embassy in Paris.
As a result, the freeze stops El Al’s security teams from working legally in France. Until now, they held ITAN worker status — Israeli citizens supporting diplomatic missions — and received visas through the Israeli Embassy. According to Ynet, no renewals have been granted in the past six months.
Meanwhile, Israel’s Foreign Ministry is investigating the matter. The Israeli Embassy in Paris is in direct contact with the French Foreign Ministry. Paris confirmed that talks are underway to “quickly reach a solution that meets the needs of both sides.”
Dispute Comes Amid Diplomatic Strain
The visa issue emerges at a time of heightened political tension. French President Emmanuel Macron recently announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September. Israel strongly condemned the move.
The row also follows several anti-Israel incidents in France targeting El Al. Last week, vandals defaced the airline’s Paris office with red paint and graffiti reading “Free Palestine” and “El Al genocide airline.” The Israeli Embassy blamed the vandalism on a “climate of violent and unrestrained incitement by certain French elected officials.”
Two days later, an air traffic controller at Charles de Gaulle broke radio protocol. He broadcast “Free Palestine” to the crew of an El Al flight moments after takeoff. The airline called the act “unprofessional and inappropriate.” It also warned that deviations from standard communications during takeoff could endanger lives.
On Tuesday, French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot announced the air traffic controller had been suspended “until further notice” as part of a disciplinary procedure.
El Al has vowed to keep flying to France and worldwide “with the Israeli flag proudly on the aircraft’s tail.” The airline says it will maintain the security protocols it considers essential for protecting passengers and crew.
