France was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Israel on 11 May 1949, and subsequently played an active role in helping to consolidate the newly formed State by contributing to its defence effort.

Bilateral relations in the cultural, scientific and economic fields and in tourism are currently expanding fast, even as political relations take on greater depth.

Israel and France today engage in very close dialogue on international matters of shared interest. Reflecting the vitality of our political relations, a strategic annual dialogue between the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and his opposite number in Israel was instituted in 2009

Updated on 22.03.13