France has pushed back against criticism from the United States and Israel over military flights and arms ties, with Washington accusing Paris of blocking US planes and Israel saying it would stop buying defence equipment from France.
The office of President Emmanuel Macron, who is in Tokyo this week, said on Tuesday it was “surprised” by criticism from US President Donald Trump, who claimed France would not allow planes carrying military supplies to Israel cross its territory.
Trump wrote on social media that France had been “very unhelpful” and said it would not let “planes headed to Israel, loaded up with military supplies, fly over French territory”.
French officials said US aircraft can still cross French airspace under international rules, but must first obtain diplomatic clearance. Each flight is reviewed individually.
The French presidency said its position had not changed since the start of the conflict.
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Airspace under scrutiny
France has not imposed a blanket ban on military overflights to Israel or the Middle East, several sources told French daily Le Monde.
The newspaper said both combat and logistical aircraft crossing French airspace must first obtain diplomatic clearance, and that each flight is assessed on a case by case basis.
France has also hosted US support aircraft at military bases on its territory since the conflict began, according to French officials and media reports.
Those aircraft include C-17s and KC-135 Stratotankers, which are not taking part in combat operations in Iran.
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Cooling defence ties
Israel announced on Tuesday that it would stop buying defence equipment from France.
The move was reported by Israel’s Channel 12 News, which said the country's Defence Ministry director general Amir Baram had decided to halt procurement from France.
The ministry said it would replace French purchases with domestic procurement or supplies from allied countries.
The practical impact is likely to be limited. French export licences granted to Israel did not exceed €162 million in 2024, according to Le Monde.
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Europe's 'predictability'
Speaking in Tokyo on Wednesday, Macron praised Europe’s consistency, saying international partners know it will remain steady in its positions.
Macron told Japanese business leaders and investors: “Predictability has value. We are where you know we will go.”
He said some countries claim to move faster than their allies, but warned: “You don't know whether the day after tomorrow they will still be in that position, and whether tomorrow they won't make a decision that could hurt you without even informing you.”
Macron also spoke of the war’s “dramatic impacts on energy”.
He said: “Europe stands by your side. We are also on the side of international law, on the side of negotiation and the return of diplomacy.”
(with newswires)
