Why France and Israel are clashing over visas for El Al security agents
Paris and Tel Aviv are in conflict over the treatment of diplomatic personnel from both countries. This conflict, which has been under the radar, is being resolved by the two foreign ministers in a tense political climate.
By Ronan TésorièreIt's a diplomatic war... under the radar. Diplomatic tensions between France and Israel have been at a peak for several months, and even more so since Emmanuel Macron launched a movement to recognize Palestine next September, dragging Great Britain, Canada, and Australia into this battle for influence.
But in reality, underlying tensions between the two countries' chancelleries have existed for months, in the thorny context of the war in Gaza . France has thus stopped renewing the work visas of security agents on El Al flights departing from Paris, Marseille (Bouches-du-Rhône), and Nice (Alpes-Maritimes) for several months. According to the Israeli press, which revealed the information Monday evening, this is causing difficulties for many of these agents. Some are forced to remain without visas or others are forced to return to Israel. One agent told Ynet that no renewals have been granted for six months.
Le Parisien
