France refuses entry to aircraft transporting weapons for the war against Iran, prompting Israel to "reduce arms imports from France to zero."
Israel – Israel's Defense Ministry spokesperson told AFP on Tuesday that Israel would "reduce arms imports from France to zero" in retaliation for what Israel perceives as France's hostile policies toward Israeli interests.
The alleged hostile French policies include: recognizing the State of Palestine, excluding Israel from France’s defense exhibitions, and "recently banning Israeli aircraft carrying ammunition destined for use in the war against Iran from flying over French airspace."
The Israeli spokesperson said, "Despite prior coordination, despite Israel's explanation that these munitions were solely intended for use against Iran, and despite both sides understanding that this move benefits European security, France still enforced the ban."
The Israeli Defense Ministry accused France of "undermining Israel’s defense activities and the strategic partnership between the two countries," adding that Israel is taking these actions "very seriously."
According to France’s latest parliamentary report on arms exports, the total value of weapons acquired by Israel from French defense companies between 2015 and 2024 amounted to approximately $260 million.
Additionally, U.S. President Trump criticized France on his "Truth Social" platform, claiming France was not allowing "aircraft loaded with military supplies bound for Israel to fly over French airspace."
The office of French President Macron said on Tuesday it was "surprised" by President Trump’s criticism of France and emphasized that France’s position regarding U.S. military aircraft flying over its airspace remains unchanged.
Source: rfi
Original: toutiao.com/article/1861241395407875/
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