Outgoing French Ambassador Frédéric Journès said in an interview Wednesday evening that relations between France and Israel 'couldn't be worse,' but noted that France approved hundreds of weapons flights while blocking only six. He also said recognition of a Palestinian state 'is not a prize to Hamas.'
Outgoing French Ambassador to Israel Frédéric Journès gave a farewell interview Wednesday evening in which he addressed the state of bilateral relations, the French arms transit policy, and the question of Palestinian state recognition. Journès described relations with Israel as 'couldn't be worse,' but pushed back against the notion that France is systematically blocking arms shipments to Israel, noting that Paris approved hundreds of weapons flights while refusing passage to only six. On the prospect of French recognition of a Palestinian state, Journès said it 'is not a prize to Hamas.'
The interview comes amid a period of heightened friction between Jerusalem and Paris. As The Zioneer has reported, French President Emmanuel Macron has in recent weeks called for Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon and for both Israel and Hezbollah to disarm. France has also been active in diplomatic efforts surrounding the U.S.-Iran framework, drawing criticism from Israeli officials. The outgoing ambassador's remarks offer a candid assessment of the relationship from the departing French envoy.
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