Israel tops French parliamentarians' foreign lobbying trips
16:15, 27/08/2026, Thursday
Yeni Şafak
Yeni Şafak
French lawmakers have visited Israel more than any other country over the past four years for lobby-funded trips, according to an investigation by Liberation newspaper. The research found that over 60 parliamentary visits to Israel were financed by the Brussels-based Israeli lobby group ELNET, with most trips occurring after October 2023.
An investigation by French daily Liberation has revealed that Israel stands as the primary destination for French parliamentarians undertaking lobby-financed overseas visits, significantly outpacing other nations in sponsored travel over a four-year period.
The newspaper's fact-checking unit CheckNews examined foreign-funded trips conducted by French deputies and senators between June 2022 and May 2026, uncovering that Israel, China, Qatar and Taiwan featured prominently among financed journeys. Israel, however, emerged as the clear leader with more than 60 parliamentary delegations visiting the country, compared to 32 for Taiwan, 25 for Qatar and just 14 for China during the same timeframe.
Lobby group ELNET behind Israeli trips
The investigation established that while visits to other nations were typically facilitated through respective ministries and embassies, the Israeli trips were overwhelmingly financed by the European Leadership Network (ELNET), a Brussels-based organisation advocating for Israeli interests in Europe. ELNET, according to the findings, commits to covering all expenses for visiting French legislators, with average trip costs reaching approximately €4,000. Accommodation arrangements included stays at Tel Aviv's InterContinental David, described as a luxury establishment.
Political leanings of invited legislators
The research also highlighted a notable pattern in the political affiliations of French parliamentarians invited to Israel with sponsored travel. The investigation found that no left-wing politicians known for pro-Palestinian positions were included among the invitees, with ELNET's attention appearing concentrated on right-wing and centre-right figures. This selective engagement suggests a strategic approach to influencing French political discourse on Israeli matters.
Surge in visits after October 2023
The investigation further revealed a significant increase in sponsored trips following October 7, 2023, with 44 of the 60 parliamentary visits occurring after that date. The timing of this surge coincides with heightened regional tensions and suggests intensified lobbying efforts during a period of renewed international focus on Israel.
ELNET responds to findings
Ariel Bellaiche, ELNET France's Public Affairs Officer, responded to the investigation by defending the organisation's activities. "Our work is independent of the Israeli government and conducted with impartiality," Bellaiche stated, adding that ELNET works with "all parties of the republican spectrum" without discrimination among French politicians.
Disclosure requirements and transparency
French legal frameworks require deputies (since 2012) and senators (since 2014) to declare gifts and travel invitations valued above €150, establishing a transparency mechanism that enabled the CheckNews investigation to track these sponsored visits. The findings raise questions about the extent of foreign influence in French parliamentary decision-making and the concentration of lobbying efforts on specific political factions.
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