A French air traffic controller has been suspended following an incident where they broadcasted ‘Free Palestine’ to Israeli El Al pilots during a flight from Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. The event took place shortly after the aircraft took off, prompting immediate condemnation from both El Al and French officials. El Al characterized the comments as ‘unprofessional and inappropriate,’ emphasizing the seriousness of the breach in radio communications protocols. The airline reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining professionalism and safety standards during its flights.
French Transportation Minister Philippe Tabarot swiftly responded to the incident, calling for an investigation and condemning the actions as a violation of the rules governing air traffic communications. He emphasized that such conduct undermines the safety and regularity of air traffic. Tabarot confirmed that the air traffic controller was identified and suspended from duty pending further disciplinary review. The incident has also drawn attention to the broader issue of rising antisemitism in the region, with Tabarot noting the need to address such harmful behaviors that exploit the current instability in the Middle East.
The ongoing tensions have been exacerbated by a series of incidents affecting El Al’s operations in France, including vandalism at its Paris office and a temporary halt in the renewal of work visas for its security staff. The vandalism, which included pro-Palestinian graffiti and the phrase ‘Free Palestine,’ has been met with strong condemnation from Israeli officials, including Israeli Ambassador to France Joshua Zarka and Transportation Secretary Miri Regev. Regev accused French President Emmanuel Macron of providing a ‘gift to Hamas’ by announcing the recognition of a Palestinian state. The situation has prompted calls for unity in addressing antisemitism and maintaining the safety of both French and Israeli citizens.