In a stunning admission, French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu revealed that France's refusal to sell weapons to Israel has nothing to do with Gaza or so-called "humanitarian concerns"—but is purely about protecting French military industry interests.
“Our position is clear,” Lecornu stated. “We will not sell weapons to Israel, as it is a major competitor to French industries. What we sell to Israel are components for the Iron Dome and also items for re-export.”
The statement confirms what many in Israel and beyond have long suspected: that European policies against the Jewish state often mask economic fears and geopolitical rivalry.
France, which supplies arms to numerous countries including India and Pakistan, has recently suffered setbacks in global defense deals. Notably, several French-made Rafale fighter jets were downed in the escalating India-Pakistan conflict, damaging France's military credibility.