France’s defence minister refuted claims made by investigative journalists that France supplied components used in ammunition by the Israeli army during its Gaza campaign.
The allegations were centered around Marseille-based company Eurolinks, which reportedly sold M27 links, metal pieces used in assembling ammunition belts for machine guns, to Israel.
Investigative outlets claimed that such ammunition could have been utilized against civilians in Gaza.
However, Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu stated that Eurolinks’ export license to Israeli firm IMI Systems only permitted re-export to third countries, not for direct use by the Israeli army.
Left-wing voices have called for France to emulate Canada’s stance and cease all arms exports to Israel.
Mathilde Panot, a prominent figure in France Unbowed (LFI) opposition party, labeled the exports as a “massive scandal,” accusing Lecornu of dishonesty during a recent parliamentary hearing.
Lecornu defended France’s policy on arms exports to Israel, emphasizing that recent deliveries mainly consisted of items like ball bearings, glass, cooling systems, and sensors, intended for re-export from Israel to other customers.
Lecornu also highlighted increased scrutiny on exports to Israel since October 7 and acknowledged issuing licenses for parts for Israel’s “Iron Dome” missile defense system.
In the same vein, Turkey responded to media reports alleging the supply of ammunition and weapons to Israel, confirming the inaccuracy of these claims and describing them as fake news and manipulation of facts.
In a statement, the ministry said, “It is evident that the subheadings of the customs tariff schedule have been manipulated to steer public opinion in the desired direction. These news stories disseminated by foreign websites aim to manipulate and do not reflect reality.”
Several media outlets, citing the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), reported that Ankara supplied Israel with explosives, gunpowder, weapons, and ammunition last January.
