France Deploys Military Aircraft to Evacuate Nationals from Israel

In response to escalating regional tensions, France has announced the deployment of an A400M military aircraft to evacuate its nationals from Israel.

The coordinated operation was confirmed in a joint statement issued on Sunday by the French Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Armed Forces.

The military flights will operate from Ben Gurion Airport to Cyprus, pending formal clearance from Israeli authorities. These flights are intended to supplement ongoing civilian evacuation routes, including those operating out of Amman, Jordan.

The decision to initiate military evacuations was made during a special session of the French National Defence and Security Council, convened at the Élysée Palace on Sunday at the request of President Emmanuel Macron. About 250,000 French nationals reside in Israel, with around 100,000 registered with consular services.

According to the French Ministry of Defence, the number of flights will be adjusted based on demand. The A400M aircraft has a capacity of around 100 passengers.

France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs reported that its crisis hotline has handled over 4,500 calls within the past week, indicating widespread concern among French citizens in the region.

On Sunday, 160 French nationals, primarily those deemed vulnerable, were successfully repatriated to Paris from Jordan. French Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot welcomed them personally at Paris Orly Airport.

One returnee, Hervé Béribi, told reporters that the evacuation was smooth and well-coordinated, expressing hope for peace and stability for all communities involved, regardless of identity or background.

Minister Barrot confirmed via the platform X that two additional flights are scheduled, and that French military aircraft will be fully integrated into the evacuation effort starting Monday.