France is an influential global player in international institutions such as the UN Security Council, NATO, and the G7. It is a leading military and nuclear power, with the second largest diplomatic network globally. It is dominant in Europe, both politically and economically and has significant historic and political links to the Middle East.
Political relations between France and Israel are strong, despite traditional disagreements, mainly on the Palestinian issue. Both countries enjoy robust defense and intelligence ties and have a strong interest in growing economic cooperation. Total bilateral trade amounted to $3.6 billion in 2019, with much upside potential. The French economy is the second largest in Europe and seeks to tap into Israeli innovation, while Israeli companies would benefit from increased market access in France. Geographic proximity and cultural ties play an important role, as France is home to the largest Jewish community in Europe, while Israel one of the largest French Diasporas can be found in Israel. 700,000 French speakers live in Israel, making up close to 8% of the population.
French foreign policy has a significant impact on Israel. As a leading member of the P5+1, France played an important diplomatic role in efforts to prevent Iran’s acquisition of nuclear weapons. France was instrumental in including the military wing of Hezbollah in the EU’s designated list of terrorist organizations and plays an important role in Lebanon and specifically in the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
France and Israel share deep interests in the Middle East, including combating terrorism and extremism, fostering stability, regional cooperation, and peace. The future of Syria, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and role of Iran and Russia in the region are important topics of discussion between the two countries.
ELNET in France
ELNET-France was established in Paris in 2010. It is run by a strong Board of Directors which includes important French political and business leaders. Arie Bensemhoun who leads the French office is the longest serving Executive Director in ELNET. Main operations include engaging senior politicians and officials, research institutes, business and opinion leaders through delegations, strategic dialogues, policy research and publications.
ELNET in the Press: Jpost Spotlight on French MP Delegation
ELNET Delegation of French MP’s featured in the Jerusalem Post
ELNET Holds a Major Symposium in the French Senate in Support of the Abraham Accords
ELNET held a major symposium in the French Senate in support of the Abraham Accords, as part of our efforts to establish support groups for the Accords in European Parliaments.
36 French Lawmakers Visit Israel with ELNET
ELNET recently hosted the largest diplomatic delegation to arrive in Israel since the COVID-19 outbreak. The ELNET delegation was the first to meet with Israel’s new political elite.
French Lawmakers Seek to Learn From Israel’s Vaccination Campaign Success
ELNET is launching a series of special briefings connecting Israeli experts with European decision-makers to share Israeli expertise in digital health and crisis management, and lessons to learn from the Israeli approach.
ELNET Backs President Macron’s Condemnation of Islamist Terror Attack in Paris
It is high time for an honest public discussion on the importance of interfaith dialogue, tolerance and freedom of speech.
Fourth France-Israel Mini Strategic Dialogue
ELNET and the Forum of Strategic Dialogue (FSD), in partnership with the French Ministry of Defense, held the fourth “Mini Strategic Dialogue” between France and Israel on developments in Syria.
Dr Arié Bensemhoun
Charlotte Gribe
Dr Sarah Perez
Pauline Berthaud
