France Refutes Accusations of Supplying Israel with Weapons Amid Gaza

Sébastien Lecornu, the Defense Minister of France, on Tuesday, March 26 refuted that France provided parts for the munitions that the Israeli army deployed in its Gaza war.

Investigative websites Disclose and Marsactu said that a Monday internet story claimed that the Marseille-based company Eurolinks had supplied Israel M27 links, which are metal components used to connect rifle cartridges to machine gun ammo belts. They asserted that such munitions “could have been used against civilians in the Gaza Strip.” Upon the minister’s statement, Le Monde was unable to confirm the accuracy of this information, which pertains to around 100,000 pieces.

Meanwhile, Lecornu said to reporters in Paris that the license granted to Eurolinks for export to the Israeli company IMI Systems “only covers re-export to third countries. He said that the license is not for the Israeli army’s use.

Lawmakers on the left wing have demanded that France follow Canada’s lead and cease exporting any weapons to Israel. The head of the parliamentary group of the opposition La France Insoumise (LFI) party, MP Mathilde Panot, called the exports a “huge scandal”. During a recent parliamentary session, she accused Lecornu of “lying”.

Last month, Lecornu told the committee of the Assemblée Nationale that France’s stance on arms sales to Israel was unquestionable. He added that the recent deliveries included “ball bearings, glass, cooling systems, and sensors. He also stated that these are weapons intended for re-exportation from Israel to international customers.

Lecornu said that he has given government officials orders to be “even stricter” when it comes to inspecting shipments to Israel since October 7. He did admit, though, that France has granted licenses for portions of Israel’s “Iron Dome” missile defense system.

France’s Shift Stance in Gaza- Israel War
Notably, at the beginning of the war, France supported Israel claiming that Israel’s acts are in self-defense. Now, France’s position has changed. Even after it became evident that innocent people were the primary target of the Israeli operation, this backing persisted unabatedly.

Macron visited Israel on October 24. He expressed his solidarity with Israel. Macron told his Israeli counterpart, Isaac Herzog, that he stood “shoulder to shoulder” with Israel. He also said that France would make every possible effort to restore peace, security, and stability for Israel.

Macron declared France’s “complete support” for the shelling of the Gaza Strip by Tel Aviv. Besides, Macron agreed to Israeli claims that “Hamas is ISIS,” like those made by Netanyahu. He went even further, arguing that a worldwide coalition against Hamas was necessary, akin to the coalition established in 2014 against ISIS.

However, France has shifted its stance on Israel’s war on Gaza. On Friday, January 5, Foreign Minister Colonna made the strongest statement France has made since the start of the conflict. Colonna called plans by Israeli ministers to relocate Gazans outside the strip are deemed “irresponsible”. She added that “It’s not up to Israel to determine the future of Gaza, which is Palestinian land.” Moreover, she said that “we need to return to the principle of international law”.

Besides, France has expressed its concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. It also called for unrestricted humanitarian access to the territory to ensure the delivery of essential aid to those in need.

Furthermore, in February 16, Macron stated that France is now open to the idea of recognizing a Palestinian state. He declared that the if Israeli resistance prevented progress towards a two-state solution, Paris might decide.

Moreover, France collaborated with Jordan in January 5 and dropped seven tons of vital medical and humanitarian supplies to a field hospital established in Khan Yunis, Gaza’s second city. In the same day, Macron said on X, “The humanitarian situation remains critical in Gaza”.

In the following month, Jordanian army dropped food and other supplies into the beleaguered Gaza Strip by the assistance of a French army jet.

Later on Wednesday, February 28, France worked with Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar to provide Gaza with much-needed aid.

Finally, By firmly advocating for a ceasefire and civilian protection, France prioritizes diplomatic solutions and de-escalate violence. This shift highlights France’s commitment to international law and human rights, aligning with global calls for ending hostilities.