France has long been a key supporter of Israel, defending its right to self-defense and selling an average of €20 million worth of military equipment to the country each year. However, hundreds of protesters in Paris have recently taken to the streets to call for an end to Israeli air strikes in Lebanon, fearing that weapons supplied by France may be used in these attacks.
The protests come as at least 24 people were killed and 29 others injured in strikes on two buildings in the southern Lebanese city of Sidon. The Lebanese people gathered to show unity and support for their country in the face of ongoing violence. The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has also faced casualties, with several senior leaders being assassinated in Israeli strikes in recent weeks, including the group’s deputy head of the Central Council.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has intensified, with almost daily exchanges of fire since the start of the war in Gaza in October. More than 700 people have been killed in Lebanon in the last week alone, leading to widespread displacement on both sides of the border. Israel has escalated its aerial assault on Lebanon, raising fears of an imminent ground offensive as troops move closer to the northern border.
Despite mounting criticism and calls for an end to arms sales, France continues to support Israel’s military efforts. An arms export report revealed that France had issued 767 export licenses to Israel since 2015, further solidifying its role in supplying military equipment. In April, 11 NGOs in Paris, including Amnesty International, attempted to stop France’s arms sales to Israel through a court case, citing concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza. However, the court rejected their request, allowing the arms sales to proceed.
The ongoing conflict in the region has highlighted the complex relationship between France, Israel, and Lebanon. While France has historically supported Israel and defended its right to self-defense, the recent protests in Paris reflect a growing concern over the use of French-supplied weapons in the conflict. The violence in Lebanon, including the deaths of senior Hezbollah leaders, has further escalated tensions and raised fears of a larger ground offensive. Despite calls for a halt to arms sales, France continues to export military equipment to Israel, deepening its involvement in the conflict. The situation remains volatile, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence on both sides of the border.
