French unions reportedly block shipment of military components to ‘Israel’

• French airport workers reportedly refused to load a shipment destined for ‘Israeli’ defense contractor Elbit Systems onto flights operated by Air France and El Al.
• Unions say the cargo contains mechanical components intended for military vehicles and have urged French authorities to prevent its export.
• Two French associations have asked officials to investigate the shipment's export licence and intended end user.

French trade unions and pro-Palestinian groups say airport workers have twice disrupted plans to ship military-related components to ‘Israel’, first on an Air France flight and later on a plane operated by ‘Israeli’ carrier El Al.

The shipment, reportedly destined for Elbit Systems Land, a division of ‘Israeli’ defense contractor Elbit Systems, was initially scheduled to leave Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport on Air France flight AF966 on Thursday, Oct. 8, according to union statements and media reports.

Workers intervened after campaign groups Urgence Palestine and the Palestinian Youth Movement raised concerns about the cargo, unions said. Air France denied that the shipment had been booked onto its flights, maintaining that it does not transport weapons or ammunition to ‘Israel’.

The shipment was subsequently reported to have been booked onto El Al flight LY220, scheduled to depart Paris on Saturday, Oct. 10. But workers at a French cargo-handling company also refused to load the goods onto the ‘Israeli’ airline's aircraft, according to ‘Israeli’ media reports.

The cargo reportedly consists of mechanical components used in systems fitted to military vehicles. French manufacturer Mijno and freight forwarder DSV have been identified by unions as being involved in arranging the shipment. The precise contents of the cargo and its intended end use have not been independently verified.

Unions affiliated with the General Confederation of Labour, known as the CGT, and SUD Aérien have called on French authorities and airport management to prevent the shipment from leaving the country. They argue that France's international obligations should apply regardless of which airline carries the goods.

The dispute has also drawn scrutiny from two French associations, NIDAL and Action Sécurité Éthique Républicaines, or ASER, which have asked government and customs officials to investigate the shipment's authorisation.

The groups have sought clarification on whether an export licence was issued, who would ultimately receive the components and what safeguards govern their use. They have also asked customs authorities to locate and inspect the cargo and suspend any export authorisation if necessary.

The associations argue that exporting components intended for military vehicles to ‘Israel’ could conflict with France's obligations under the international Arms Trade Treaty and the Genocide Convention.

France's Foreign Ministry defended its export policy Thursday. Spokesman Pascal Confavreux said military components could be exported to ‘Israel’ if they were intended exclusively for defensive purposes or incorporated into equipment that would later be re-exported to other countries.

He said France complied with its international commitments and maintained oversight and safeguards for military exports. The ministry's statement did not establish whether the specific shipment had received authorisation or clarified its current status.

Read more: Report uncovers new French military shipments to 'Israel'