{"id":338263,"date":"2025-08-12T11:01:17","date_gmt":"2025-08-12T11:01:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/338263\/"},"modified":"2025-08-12T11:01:17","modified_gmt":"2025-08-12T11:01:17","slug":"france-said-to-halt-visas-for-el-al-security-staff","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/338263\/","title":{"rendered":"France said to halt visas for El Al security staff"},"content":{"rendered":"

France has stopped renewing work visas for El Al security staff members, Ynet reported Tuesday, citing sources within the airline. The decision seems to be related to rising tensions between Paris and Jerusalem over Israel\u2019s military operations in Gaza.<\/p>\n

The move prevents staff members from working legally in the country.<\/p>\n

French President Emmanuel Macron recently announced that the country intends to recognize a Palestinian State in September at the UN General Assembly, a plan that drew\u00a0strong condemnation\u00a0from Israel and the US.<\/p>\n

Until now, El Al security staff have been classified as ITAN workers (Israeli citizens supporting diplomatic missions) and were granted visas via the Israeli embassy. However, no employees have had their visas renewed in the last six months, a source told Ynet.<\/p>\n

A spokesperson for Israel\u2019s Foreign Ministry said the issue was under investigation.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThe matter is being handled by the embassy in coordination with the French Foreign Ministry,\u201d the spokesperson said.<\/p>\n

El Al is known for employing stricter security measures than most other airlines, with extensive \u2014 and sometimes invasive \u2014 passenger checks that can include questioning by security staff and baggage checks. The airline also has undercover air marshals on every flight, which it considers essential due to heightened security risks.<\/p>\n

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee responded to the report with surprise.<\/p>\n

\u201cSay it ain\u2019t so, France. Say it ain\u2019t so! What happened to France?\u201d he posted<\/a> on X.<\/p>\n

\t\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The Paris offices of El Al vandalized with red paint and pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel graffiti, August 7, 2025. (X, used in accordance with clause 27a of the copyright law)<\/p>\n

Last week, El Al\u2019s Paris offices were smeared<\/a> with red paint and anti-Israel graffiti.<\/p>\n

Pictures posted online showed the doors of the offices covered in paint and the words \u201cFree Palestine\u201d daubed in several languages, along with graffiti reading \u201cEl Al genocide airline.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Israeli Embassy in France blamed the attack on \u201ca climate of violent and unrestrained incitement by certain French elected officials,\u201d without naming individuals.<\/p>\n


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