Page 11 - The Indian EYE 011025

OPINION JANUARY 10, 2025 | The Indian Eye 11

arms provider during 1952–59. After
De Gaulle resigned as the President
in 1969, France moved away from
the pro-Arab policy due to the back-
lash from the Jewish community and
the change in its domestic politics.
French society is known to host the
largest Jewish and Muslim commu-
nities in Europe, which makes navi-
gating the tricky waters of the West
Asian dispute complex for France.
Macron has maintained a deli-
cate balance to not offend the sensi-
bilities of either community, as the re-
cent legislative elections have proved
popular support for him is waning.
While France’s left-wing leaders, like
Jean Luc Mélenchon, firmly stand by
the Palestinian cause, right-wingers
like Marine Le Pen and her party,
National Rally have shifted towards
the Israeli side as part of her attempt
to shed the party’s anti-Semitic im-
age, such as by expelling her father,
Jean-Marie Le Pen, from his party
after he repeated anti-Semitic state-
ments. The strategy to move away
from her father’s stance has paid off
as Marine has gained an increased
vote share in the 2024 elections in A key determinant in French foreign policy towards Israel is the European Union’s overall foreign policy that France has to align with (Agency file photo)
France and support from Lebanon’s
Christian population, among other believes Syrian presence is key for a protect its interests in Lebanon. This an policy to West Asia and the 2002
achievements. successful border negotiation. Euro- does not mean, however, abandon- “Roadmap for Peace” for a two-state
A key determinant in French for- pean success, except for macroeco- ing its carefully curated, balanced solution, aligning with France’s offi-
eign policy towards Israel is the Eu- nomic stability, in these initiatives approach to taking sides in the con- cial policy. If France chooses to go
ropean Union’s overall foreign poli- has been slow after the Arab Spring, flict. Over decades, France has ma- with a more concise and proactive
cy that France has to align with. The and the lack of EU’s unity is a major neuvered by taking active leadership foreign policy, it would overcome the
EU’s central framework for dealing factor in bringing this about. in Europe. This has unfolded in the European divide in the foreign policy
with West Asia is the Euro-Mediter- Although there has been some form of the Mediterranean Union, to Israel and Palestine and may help
ranean Partnership, also known as cooperation in European countries a union proposed by France that bring a timely halt to the hostilities.
the Barcelona Process, which aims when it comes to calling for an im- aimed to tackle security concerns
to promote economic, political and mediate ceasefire of hostilities by the in a more practical manner and the Aishwarya Upreti is a Research
cultural cooperation. This partner- EU’s foreign policy chief, Josep Bor- recognition of the rights of Palestine Intern at Indian Council of World
ship guides Europe’s policy towards rell, and condemnation of the attacks and the Palestine Liberation Orga- Affairs, New Delhi. Views expressed
countries, such as Algeria, Egypt, Is- on United Nations Interim Forces in nization in peace negotiations in the are personal.
rael, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco and Lebanon (UNIFIL) by France, Italy EU at France’s behest. This article first appeared in the web
Palestinian territories, Syria, Tunisia and Spain in a joint statement as “un- France is also one of the larg- articles section of the website
and Turkey. West Asia is significant justifiable”- the EU has remained est contributors to UNIFIL and ar- (www.icwa.in) of Indian Council of
for Europe for its security interests divided in voting for a ceasefire in chitectural security in West Asia. World Affairs, New Delhi,
and containment of the influx of ref- Gaza in the UN resolutions. In the Therefore, France might continue to on December 30, 2024
ugees and terrorism from West Asia. ES-10/21 UN Resolution adopted on pursue consolidation in the Europe-
Hence, Europe has been working 27 October 2023 by the UN Gener-
towards encouraging democratic re- al Assembly, aimed at an immediate
forms in the region through the Eu- humanitarian truce in Gaza, eight
ro-Mediterranean partnership. members of the EU voted in favor of
Towards this goal, Europe has the resolution, while four opposed it.
stipulated respect for human rights Other EU members abstained from
as a condition for financial support voting altogether. France’s inability
to the above-mentioned countries, to influence the Israel-Palestine cri-
and any violation would result in the sis is steeped in a broader European
suspension of trade and aid. Howev- stalemate and has impacted its ability
er, the policy has had little success. to take initiatives in this regard.
For instance, bringing peace and
stability to the region has not been Conclusion
largely fulfilled. Europe has not been Macron’s statements about Is-
able to negotiate the Israel-Lebanon rael’s war against Hezbollah and its
borders or engage Syria successfully active involvement in the peace pro-
in this border dispute, even though it cess demonstrate a will of France to

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