128 French settlers land in ‘Israel’ as “Aliyah” numbers rise
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One hundred and twenty-eight new settlers from France landed at ‘Israel’s’ Ben Gurion Airport aboard a special flight sponsored by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) in partnership with the Jewish Agency.
The arrival marked the official launch of the 2026 summer “aliyah” season, ‘Israel’s’ term for what it says is “Jewish immigration”.
This latest wave underscores a continuing surge in French settlers arriving in ‘Israel’. Numbers have risen sharply since October 7, 2023, with over 6,500 French relocating in that period.
In 2025 alone, 3,357 arrived; more than triple the 2023 figure,
‘Israeli’ officials celebrated the event as a “homecoming.”
Jewish Agency representatives and ‘Israeli’ ministers welcomed the group last week on Monday, ranging from young families to retirees, with ceremonies at the airport.
Such programs have raised concerns of fueling settlement expansion in occupied territories and complicating peace efforts.
The influx of settlers, often encouraged by government incentives, adds to demographic shifts in the West Bank and other disputed areas, intensifying international concerns over ‘Israel’s’ policies.
A ministry statement highlighted the excitement: “The Summer 2026 Aliyah season has officially begun... we were proud and deeply moved to welcome them home.”
Additional flights are planned for August and fall.
