By David Frankfurter
May 19, 2006
One can almost imagine the frustration France must be feeling now that Hamas, outlawed as a terrorist organization under European law, has taken control of the Palestinian Authority. Not because France and Hamas view the Middle East conflict so differently. More because complying with EU directives places obstacles in the path of France's funding of the fireworks routinely launched at this "shitty little country" (to borrow a well-publicized description attributed to a senior French diplomat with reference to Israel).
Ever inventive, Paris found a way to overcome the challenge. Noting that the minor Jewish festival of Lag B'Omer is celebrated throughout Israel with bonfires, France solved its dilemma by paying more than $250,000 for a huge pyrotechnic display in Tel Aviv this week. France's ambassador to Jerusalem, Gerard Araud, explained his country's generosity thusly: "Because we are nice and we want you to love us."
A more junior French diplomat was plus grossier: "I just hope the Israelis know who organized this celebration."
And it seems that they did. The next day, Israeli Prime Minister Olmert met with French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy and thanked him for the fireworks display. They slapped each other on the backs, grateful for the passing of the "bad old days" of 2004, when Ariel Sharon had become a persona non-grata for suggesting French Jews should come to Israel, to take refuge from a wave of anti-Semitism sweeping France. France, the Minister declared, has made a great improvement on the issue of anti-Semitism due to new laws passed by the current French Government. France, Olmert was assured, will not meet with Hamas. She stands beside the Israeli Government.
French Ambassador Araud is reported in the press to be a veteran diplomat, well versed in Israelis' receptiveness to flattery. And he briefed his master well. So grateful was Olmert for Douste-Blazy's bonne humeur that he immediately responded with a dramatic policy turn-around. Just two months ago, Olmert was elected on a platform of further withdrawals in the West Bank; unilateral actions due to a lack of a negotiating partner.
The Hamas regime rejected the Israeli plan to dismantle settlements, and publicly asked Europe to intervene. Olmert immediately succumbed to his guest's overtures, promising the maître that he would not act without Palestinian blessing. Negotiations with the Palestinians are the key to progress in the region. Any other development is not as good since it is not by agreement: "We will do our utmost so that there will be negotiations."
Amazing the frog-leaps our politicians will do just for a French kiss.
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