Emmanuel Macron

France returns 23 artifacts to Syria after 15 year-long loan amid Macron’s historic Damascus visit

The artifacts were originally loaned in 2010 and 2011 to the Arab World Institute (IMA ) in Paris from museums in Damascus, Aleppo, Latakia, and Palmyra.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa presided over the official handover ceremony of the artifacts, which took place at the People's Palace in Damascus, July 7, 2026.
Firefighters respond to a wildfire in Lege-Cap-Ferret in the Gironde department amid worsening drought conditions following a heatwave and water shortages across much of France, July 23, 2026.

France sends boats, orders evacuation of tourist hotspot Cap Ferret as wildfires continue to rage

 France's President Emmanuel Macron and Charles Dreyfus grandson of Alfred Dreyfus pay tribute in front of the 3.5-meter (12ft) bronze statue made in 1985 by French artist Louis Mitelberg aka Tim.

'Demons of antisemitism' still in France: Macron honors Alfred Dreyfus, new statue installed

France's President Emmanuel Macron (L) shakes hands with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa ahead of their meeting at the People's Palace in Damascus on July 7, 2026.

Macron’s Damascus visit opens door to French investment in Syria - analysis


'I still love Israel': Outgoing French ambassador on war, Macron, and a broken alliance - interview

"Yes, we have lost the trust of many Israeli people," said Journès. "But Israel has also lost the consideration of a huge part of world opinion."

Outgoing French Ambassador to Israel Frédéric Journès speaks to The Jerusalem Post on July 8, 2026.

Despite restricting Israeli defense firms, Macron flew to Syria on jet equipped with Elbit system

France has restricted Israeli defense firms, yet Macron’s jet relied on Elbit’s DIRCM system as he became the first Western leader to meet Syria’s new president and discuss regional tensions.

An airplane carrying French President Emmanuel Macron arrives at Esenboga Airport ahead of the 36th NATO Summit held in Ankara, Turkey, July 7, 2026

Explosive device detonates near Macron's hotel in Syria

The Jerusalem Post's must-listen news roundup with Shifra Jacobs—the top stories, clear and concise. 

French President Emmanuel Macron speaks at a United Nations (UN) General Assembly meeting being organized by France and Saudi Arabia in support of a two-state solution between Palestine and Israel on September 22, 2025 in New York City.

Damascus explosion injures 18, incl. four police officers amid Macron-Sharaa meeting

The explosions are believed to have been caused by an explosive device planted on a vehicle near the French president's hotel, while Macron confirmed in a statement that his visit will continue.

Smoke and fire rise at the site where explosive devices blew up near a hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was meant to be staying, in Damascus, Syria, in this screengrab obtained from a video, July 7, 2026.

Macron’s visit to Syria showcases Damascus's rising regional status - analysis

Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa is also expected to travel to Turkey to hold meetings on the sidelines of the NATO summit in the following days.

France's President Emmanuel Macron (L) is welcomed by Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani (R) as he arrives for a state visit at the Damascus International Airport in Damascus on July 6, 2026.

French President Emmanuel Macron lands in Syria in first visit to post-Assad Damascus by EU head

The visit underlines Syria's geopolitical transformation under Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda commander who has established close ties with Western and Middle Eastern powers that shunned Assad.

French President Emmanuel Macron shakes hands with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa after a joint press conference after a meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, May 7, 2025.

France softens stance on selling Franco-Italian air-defense system to Turkey, sources say

France's foreign ministry declined to comment and referred to the French presidency, as did the defense ministry. Turkey's foreign ministry did not respond to requests for comment.

The Eurosam SAMP/T vertical launcher is displayed at the 55th International Paris Airshow at Le Bourget Airport near Paris, France, June 18, 2025.

French President Macron set to visit Syria to expand political and economic ties - analysis

Macron visited Lebanon in January 2025, and Saudi Arabia in December 2024, attempting to increase France’s role in the region.

France's President Emmanuel Macron and Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa shake hands during a bilateral meeting within the framework of the COP30 UN climate conference in Belem, Para State, Brazil on November 6, 2025.

France, UK agree to work with Oman to restore safe transit through Strait of Hormuz

French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the joint effort will ensure that Oman’s “sovereign territorial waters are safe for navigation.”

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer shakes hands with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq during their meeting inside 10 Downing Street, in central London on July 2, 2026.

Iran deal turns into global loyalty test as tension builds between Trump and Israel - analysis

Trump remains popular, powerful, and rhetorically committed to Israel’s survival. But his support now comes with public scolding, transactional accounting, and an unmistakable demand from Netanyahu.

US President Donald Trump, with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, holds a press conference during the G7 Summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, June 17, 2026.