Israel's Defense Ministry announced on Tuesday that it has halted all future defense procurement from France, citing the country's hostile stance over the past two years.

Defense Minister Israel Katz and Director General Amir Baram issued the order, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prioritized for approval. The decision reduces all defense purchases from France to zero, with Israel shifting to domestic production or suppliers from allied nations. Existing contracts will continue, and private sector deals remain unaffected.

The immediate trigger was France's refusal to allow Israeli aircraft transporting U.S. military equipment to overfly its airspace. The shipments were destined for operations against Iran, despite prior coordination and assurances that the munitions were solely for that purpose. Israeli officials emphasized that such cooperation protects European security, as Iranian missiles could reach cities like Paris.

This airspace denial marked the first such incident since the escalation of the Iran conflict. In response, Israel canceled a planned visit by French Armed Forces Minister Alice Rouffo to Tel Aviv and informed Paris of no further professional engagements with its military.

The move comes amid a pattern of tensions. France halted its own arms exports to Israel in late 2024 over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, blocked dozens of Israeli firms from the 2024 Eurosatory exhibition, shut Israeli booths at the 2025 Paris Air Show, and led recognition of a Palestinian state in September 2025 while Israel fought in Gaza and Lebanon. Paris also pressured Israel to end the Gaza war prematurely and limit strikes on Hezbollah.

A Defense Ministry statement expressed serious concern, stating France's policies 'undermine security cooperation with Israel, a country that is actively operating on the front line against Iran and protecting the security of the Western world.' Director General Baram said the halt aims to build 'full defense autonomy, without relying on unreliable countries that fail to meet their obligations and prioritize political moves over the security of Western citizens.'

President Donald Trump criticized France sharply, posting that it 'wouldn’t let planes headed to Israel, loaded up with military supplies, fly over French territory' and has been 'VERY UNHELPFUL' against Iran's leader.

Historically, France aided Israel against Iranian missile attacks in 2024 and led snapback nuclear sanctions on Iran in the summer of 2025. Despite cooling ties, intelligence sharing may persist. Israel has increased defense exports to NATO allies like Germany amid Russia's war in Ukraine.