French PM on Arms Embargo Against Israel: “Israel Does Not Depend on Us”

French Admission

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu told members of parliament that discussion of an arms embargo against Israel does not reflect the reality of Israel’s defense relationship with France.

“Let’s stop talking about an arms embargo against Israel,” Lecornu said. “Israel is the one deciding not to buy from us.”

His comments pointed to a different dynamic than the one often presented in debates over military exports to Israel. According to Lecornu, the issue is not that France is determining whether to supply Israel with weapons, but that Israel itself is choosing not to rely on French arms.

Defense Industry Competition

Lecornu added that Israel is not dependent on France for weapons, describing the country instead as a major competitor to the French defense industry.

“Israel is one of the biggest competitors of the French defense industry,” he said. “It does not depend on us.”

The remarks highlight Israel’s growing position as an independent defense power, with its own advanced weapons industry and export market. Rather than portraying Israel as dependent on French military support, Lecornu framed it as a rival in the global defense sector.