Israeli national airline El Al on Thursday reported that its Paris office was vandalized with anti-Israel graffiti, describing the act as “deeply disturbing” at a time when tensions between France and Israel continue to escalate.
The graffiti was discovered early Thursday morning. El Al confirmed that the office was vacant during the incident and no injuries were reported. Images circulated on social media showed red spray paint defacing the office's glass doors and walls, including the phrase “El Al genocide airline.”
In a statement, the airline said it was treating the matter with “utmost seriousness” and was working in close coordination with both French and Israeli authorities. El Al also issued a strong condemnation of all forms of violence and hatred, saying its aircraft “proudly” bear the Israeli flag.
Israeli Transportation Minister Miri Regev also denounced the act, accusing French President Emmanuel Macron’s policies of contributing to the situation. “Today it’s El Al, tomorrow it’s Air France,” Regev posted on social media. “When President Macron makes declarations that reward Hamas, this is the outcome.”
The incident follows recent diplomatic strain between the two nations after Macron expressed support last month for recognizing a Palestinian state — a position welcomed by some European allies but firmly rejected by Israel.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry also condemned the vandalism, calling it an antisemitic attack. The ministry urged the French government to take immediate steps to ensure the safety of El Al staff and property, and to bring those responsible to justice.
The attack comes amid a spate of antisemitic incidents in France. In May, multiple Jewish sites in Paris — including the Shoah Memorial, three synagogues, and a Jewish restaurant — were defaced with green paint.
France hosts the largest Jewish community in Western Europe, with an estimated population of 500,000 — about 1% of the country’s population.
Authorities and Jewish organizations have expressed growing concern over the rise in antisemitic acts in recent years, especially following the October 7 Hamas attacks in Israel in 2023. Reports have pointed to a sharp increase in threats, physical assaults, vandalism, and harassment targeting Jewish individuals and institutions.
