Since the October 7 Hamas-led attacks on Israel, France has claimed to approach the war with a strategy of balance based on three pillars pertaining to security, humanitarian, and political considerations. [i] The French show of solidarity with Israel seems to confirm the persistence of Israel-friendly policies into the 2020s. On humanitarian aid, France has chosen to cooperate with two important regional players: Jordan and Qatar. Penholder on Lebanon at the Security Council, Paris has 700 blue helmets on the ground as part of UNIFIL. Many linked it to internal political concerns with France having among the biggest Jewish and Muslim communities in Europe[xiv].

Source: The North Africa Journal February 12, 2024 10:34 UTC