France’s pro-Israel stance draws internal backlash from public institutions

By Esra Taskin

PARIS (AA) - Two French public institutions have criticized France’s stance on Israel's military actions in Gaza and Lebanon, sparking internal discontent on Thursday.

Employees from Expertise France, responsible for the country’s international cooperation projects, and the French Development Agency’s (AFD) Beirut office, sent letters to their management ahead of the "Support for the Lebanese People and Sovereignty" conference in Paris.

According to Le Monde, 110 employees of Expertise France addressed a letter to Director General Jeremie Pellet, urging the suspension of cooperation with Israeli institutions.

They expressed frustration over France's emphasis on Israel’s "right to self-defense" without acknowledging the suffering of the Palestinian people, noting that such a stance undermines France’s image with its international partners.

The letter called on France to take a firmer and clearer stance on Israel's military actions, emphasizing the need for measures to halt Israeli attacks, particularly in light of the high civilian death toll in Gaza and Lebanon.

The employees also urged France to formally recognize the State of Palestine and join international complaints of genocide against Israel at the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice.

In a separate letter, employees at AFD’s Beirut office criticized France's perceived diplomatic double standards in the region. Addressed to AFD President Remy Rioux, the letter stated: “We see our country burning and our people being massacred, yet we continue to work for a country (France) that defends only Israel’s right to self-defense,” while noting that France is also currently advocating for a ceasefire.