Israeli airline El Al reported on Thursday that its Paris office was defaced with anti-Israel graffiti in a troubling incident that the airline described as “deeply disturbing.” The vandalism was discovered early on Thursday morning when the office was unoccupied, and fortunately, no injuries were reported.
El Al stated that it is treating the situation with the utmost seriousness and is collaborating closely with authorities in both France and Israel to address the matter. The airline firmly condemned all expressions of violence, particularly those fueled by hatred, emphasizing that its aircraft proudly feature the Israeli flag.
El Al said it “unequivocally condemns all forms of violence, particularly those driven by hatred.”
The Israeli Foreign Ministry characterized the attack as an act of antisemitism and called on the French government to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice while also safeguarding the safety of El Al’s personnel and its offices.
Context of rising tensions
This incident unfolds against the backdrop of increasing diplomatic tensions following French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent commitment to recognize a Palestinian state, a decision met with strong opposition from Israeli officials. In response to the vandalism, Israeli Transportation Minister Miri Regev attributed the graffiti to Macron’s policies, stating, “Today it’s El Al, tomorrow it’s Air France. When President Macron makes announcements that give gifts to Hamas, this is the result,” via her social media account.
Previous incidents and investigations
The vandalism at El Al’s office echoes a series of antisemitic attacks on Jewish institutions in Paris over the past few years. Authorities have previously suggested the involvement of Russian intelligence services in these incidents, which they believe may be aimed at inciting tensions within French society. In May, several Jewish sites, including synagogues and a Jewish restaurant, were vandalized, prompting an investigation into potential religiously motivated damage.
In the wake of these attacks, three Serbian nationals were arrested in connection with the graffiti. Similar incidents in 2024 and 2023 also raised concerns, with reports indicating that individuals linked to Russian security services might have orchestrated the vandalism.
France, home to a significant Jewish community, has experienced a marked increase in antisemitic incidents in recent years, particularly following the violent Hamas-led attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023, which have further exacerbated tensions within the country.