A US military transport aircraft was denied permission to cross French airspace without prior clearance, prompting criticism from President Donald Trump, who accused France of blocking planes carrying military supplies to Israel. The French presidency responded by saying each flight request is reviewed individually and that no blanket ban exists on US military overflights. Paris emphasized that its policy has remained unchanged since the start of the conflict in the Middle East. US Air Force C-17 and KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft have continued to operate from French bases, though they are not involved in combat missions in Iran. French officials confirmed that diplomatic clearance is required under international rules, a standard procedure they say does not constitute obstruction.
Israel announced it would halt defence procurement from France, according to reports from Channel 12 News, citing Defence Ministry director general Amir Baram. The ministry plans to replace French-sourced equipment with domestic alternatives or supplies from allied nations. However, the financial impact appears minimal, as French export licences to Israel totaled no more than €162 million in 2024, according to Le Monde. Despite the cooling relationship, France continues to host US support aircraft on its soil, underscoring ongoing military cooperation with Washington. President Emmanuel Macron, speaking in Tokyo, defended Europe's foreign policy as predictable and reliable, contrasting it with allies whose positions may shift abruptly. He emphasized Europe's commitment to international law, diplomacy, and energy stability amid global tensions.
When Macron says Europe is predictable, he is directly challenging the reliability of the United States under Trump's leadership, especially after Washington's public accusation over flight clearances. The decision by Israel to stop buying French defence equipment has more symbolic weight than strategic impact, given the relatively small value of recent arms deals. France's insistence on case-by-case approvals reflects a broader effort to maintain sovereignty in military decisions, not a break with NATO norms. This episode reveals how even allied nations are recalibrating trust amid shifting geopolitical commitments.
