Macron’s Presidency Heralds Nothing New in Israel-France Relations

Emmanuel Macron’s presidency heralds no new era in Israel-France relations, particularly on issues relating to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Like other French presidents before him, he condemns Palestinian terrorism and Israeli settlements in the West Bank as if they are moral equivalents. His response to US President Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital was to reassert the traditional French subscription to the two-state solution and to stress that Paris does not approve of the American move.

Macron’s Election and the Challenges He Faces

Emmanuel Macron’s election as France's president by an impressive majority was met by widespread relief in most of the EU countries and in the western world. It would be a mistake, however, to ignore the deep divisions in French society that the election revealed. Large portions of the French public deeply distrust the political establishment, the EU, and globalization. The result was less an expression of support for Macron's platform and more a rejection of Marine Le Pen. However, the threat to French democracy emanating from the far right as well as the far left is not yet over. Macron will have to overcome huge challenges – and quickly – if he is to deliver on his promises of economic reform and his pledges to bridge the deep gaps in French society and politics.

Between Paris and Cairo: Balancing Security and Diplomacy

The measured Israeli reaction to the latest flurry of problematic diplomatic activity reflects Jerusalem’s more central security imperatives, as well as its newly-discovered sense of being a significant regional player rather than a besieged small state in a hostile sea.

The Unrealistic European Peace Offensive

While partition of the Land of Israel between the Jews and the Arabs living in this small part of the world is desirable, the Palestinian national movement has proved to be the wrong partner to implement partition and is largely responsible for the failure of the two state solution. Conflict management is the only approach that has a chance to minimize suffering on both sides and achieve a modicum of stability in a stormy Middle East.

France and the Iranian Nuclear Program

France’s bold move to hold up a nuclear deal between the P5+1 and Iran reflects its broader policy and genuine concern about a nuclear Iran.

France and the Syrian Civil War: From Diplomacy to Military Intervention?

France has changed its view that conflicts can be resolved only through diplomacy, which explains the country’s recent military activism in Libya, Mali, and perhaps soon in Syria, as well.

Mali: A Diplomatic Opportunity for Israel

France’s military intervention against Mali’s Islamists has provided Israel with an opportunity to improve its relations with France and restore its ties with Africa’s non-Arab Muslim countries.

After Toulouse: Combatting Anti-Semitism in France

France’s formal, coercive, educational, and correctional measures against anti-Semitism should not be underestimated, and have largely borne fruit. Yet the country’s unbalanced approach to the Arab-Israeli conflict has created an altogether too comfortable environment for the resurgence of anti-Semitic violence in France.

Déjà Vu? France and the Gaza Flotilla

French government reaction to the flotilla affair has been tough and is perceived by the Israeli mainstream as typical of the unjustified global diplomatic lynch Israel has been subjected to over this affair.

Netanyahu and Sarkozy: Personal Chemistry Versus Political Disagreements

Netanyahu and Sarkozy resemble each other in their charismatic leadership, their dynamic capitalist approach and their global view of security threats. But they differ sharply on settlements, Jerusalem, and more.

French Mideast Policy and Franco-Israeli Relations