Original Source
Israel Retaliates Against France, Announces 'Zero' Defense Procurement
France's Arms Shipment Denial and Israel's Response
Israel's Defense Ministry announced retaliatory steps against France after Paris refused to allow access to its airspace for arms shipments destined for the Middle East. Previously, US President Donald Trump criticized France's decision as "very unhelpful" to the US-Israeli war on Iran, warning that Washington "will remember" the move. France has maintained a broader embargo on arms sales to Israel for over a year, and the recent airspace restriction is seen as part of this policy.
Reduction in Defense Procurement and Cooperation Halt
Amir Baram, Director-General of the Israeli Defense Ministry, stated that he and Defense Minister Israel Katz aim to curb reliance on foreign arms suppliers, especially from countries like France that Israel does not view as "friendly." The Israeli Defense Ministry officially announced that it "will reduce all defense procurement from France to zero," confirming the cancellation of a planned visit by a senior French defense official and adding that "there will be no new professional engagement with the French military."
French Official's Visit to Lebanon
Alice Ruffo, a deputy to French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin and a reported close ally of President Emmanuel Macron, had been scheduled to visit Israel. However, following the cancellation of her visit, Ruffo traveled to Lebanon. There, she met senior officials and oversaw the delivery of 39 French-made VAB armored personnel carriers to the Lebanese Army. Israel currently occupies the southern part of Lebanon.
*Source: RT News (2026-04-01)*
