French-Israeli relations persist amid tensions over Lebanon
French-Israeli relations persist amid tensions over Lebanon
About 100 French and Israeli business leaders gathered at the French ambassador’s residence to celebrate the Israel-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry as tensions between France and Israel rise over Lebanon.
"The relationship between France and Israel is rich, rooted in history, and based on shared values of freedom and entrepreneurship, fueled by constant exchanges between our economic communities,” said France’s Ambassador to Israel, Frédéric Journès, speaking at his official residence in Jaffa at an event held in honor of the Israel-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIIF).
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Amb. Frédéric Journès, second from left, and Julien Roitman, second from right, with other attendees.
(Embassy of France in Israel)
About a hundred French and Israeli business leaders gathered at the reception which was also attended by French Member of Parliament, Caroline Yadan, who represents the Eighth constituency for French residents overseas.
"The unique position of the CCIIF allows us to promote the economic interests of our members and intervene on their behalf whenever necessary,” said Julien Roitman, CCIIF president, in remarks at the event. “We are at your disposal to launch new initiatives and develop new partnership programs between France and Israel. France is the gateway to Europe. It has been for centuries a land of scientists and engineers, and is by tradition one of the countries most open to innovation.”
Israel’s high-tech sector, he notes, continues to be the envy of the world. “Macron was here when he was Minister of Economics and he was astonished by what he found here regarding innovation. He’s tried to replicate it in France.”
Founded in 1957 after the Suez Crisis, the CCIF is a non-profit organization which “seeks to help foster, enhance and preserve economic ties between Israel and France.” The group comprises large corporations, mid-size companies, small businesses and startups, banks, VCs, incubators and accelerators. The chamber seeks to help Israeli and French companies to operate and develop their businesses to the other country, and to protect and represent the interests of Israeli companies in France and French companies in Israel.
The event felt especially poignant as many in attendance spoke of the significance of upholding French-Israeli relations amid Israel’s war against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Hezbollah’s relentless bombardment of northern Israel since October 8th, 2023, has resulted in the months-long displacement of approximately 60,000 Israeli citizens and numerous casualties most infamously the killing of 12 Druze children in the Golan Heights town of Majdal Shams in August.
Recent weeks have seen a shift in the war with Israel launching a series of targeted assassinations and counter strikes across the country, and have seemingly eviscerated Hezbollah’s high command, most recently and importantly Hasan Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s erstwhile leader. The fighting has led to chaos in Lebanon with mass displacement across the country, with AP reporting that approximately 211,000 people in Lebanon have been displaced, according to UN estimates.
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Amb. Caroline Yadan (center) and Julien Roitman (right).
(Embassy of France in Israel)
It has also thrust a wedge between Israel and France which holds “fraternal relations” with Lebanon as President Emmanuel Macron said in a televised speech to the Lebanese people. “France’s attitude [to Israel] is very dependent on what happens in Lebanon because France considers itself a protector of sorts in Lebanon. Roughly 30,000 French citizens live in Lebanon. I’ve heard from French officials how concerned they are about an Israeli incursion [into Lebanon],” said Roitman.
Fears about the impact on relations between Israeli and French companies, however, does not appear to be profound. “Officially the state will never boycott [Israel] nor will companies but there is the pressure of the consumer. Self-censorship exists but the bulk of companies continue to do business with Israel,” says Roitman.
French companies are continuing to operate in Israel, and some have even moved to Israel in the last year. “It wasn’t a political act to open a branch here. There’s an economy here; our clients are working. We have 70 international clients present in Israel. There was great demand to open here,” says Claude Nahon, Managing Director at French retail marketing giant Altavia’s Israel branch, one of the sponsors of the event. Altavia opened their branch in Israel in October 2023 following the October 7th attacks. “We’re on track with what we’ve wanted to do. This is a well organized country, far more regulated than we think and open for business.”
If anything, the shifting sands of geopolitics highlight the need for preserving economic relations, says Roitman. “Times change, governments change, relationships between countries evolve with ups and downs, but if two nations are tied to each other with strong economic and cultural links, they have a better chance at overcoming temporary disagreements.”
