El Al airline's Paris office vandalised with anti-Israel graffiti

Israeli airline El Al said Thursday that its Paris office was vandalised with anti-Israel graffiti, in what it said was a “deeply disturbing” attack on its premises.

The graffiti was found early on Thursday, and no one was hurt, according to El Al airline. The office was empty when the incident occurred, the airline said.

The airline said it was handling the matter with the “utmost gravity” and working “in close coordination” with authorities in France and Israel.

El Al said it “unequivocally condemns all forms of violence, particularly those driven by hatred,” adding that its planes “proudly” display the Israeli flag.

Israel's Foreign Ministry described the attack as "antisemitic" and urged the French government to bring the perpetrators to justice, ensure the safety of El Al staff and offices.

The incident comes amid diplomatic friction following French President Emmanuel Macron’s pledge last month to recognise a Palestinian state — a move strongly opposed by Israel.

Earlier on Thursday, Israeli Transportation Minister Miri Regev blamed the policies of Macron for the anti-Israeli graffiti.

“Today it’s El Al, tomorrow it’s Air France,” she wrote on social media platform X. “When President Macron makes announcements that give gifts to Hamas, this is the result.”

Russian intelligence services involved?

The vandalism bears similarities to other apparent antisemitic attacks on Jewish sites in Paris in recent years, with authorities stating before that there was reason to believe Russian intelligence services were involved in a bid to stir tensions in the French society.

In May, three synagogues, a Jewish restaurant, and the Shoah Memorial were among the several Jewish sites vandalised with green paint in Paris.

Authorities in Paris immediately launched an investigation into "damage committed on religious grounds". Two days later, three Serbian nationals were reportedly arrested in the southeastern region of Alpes-Maritimes as they were preparing to leave France.

In May 2024, red hands were painted at the Parisian memorial for those who saved people from the city's Jewish community from Nazi persecution during the 1940-1944 occupation of France.

Three Bulgarian nationals were identified by French authorities as being behind the tags.

In October 2023, dozens of Stars of David were graffitied on walls in Paris and its outskirts. In that case, two Moldovan nationals were apprehended, according to domestic press. French security services said a Moldovan-Russian businessman was identified as their potential handler.

In the 2023 case, media including AFP and Le Monde cited French intelligence sources saying that the vandalism had been "commissioned by Russian security services". Moscow denied any involvement and described the reports as "stupid" and "outrageous".

France has a large Jewish population, which has made it a frequent flashpoint for rising antisemitism. In recent years, reports of antisemitic incidents have surged in the country, with a sharp rise reported in 2023 after the 7 October Hamas-led attacks in Israel.