As this book makes clear, Franco-Israeli relations in the 1950s and 1960s occupies an important place in Israeli history. In the immediate post-war period it was France that supplied the arms that allowed Israel to maintain an effective military force, and - after Washington - Paris was the main target of Israeli diplomacy. But, beyond this, there also existed an emotional tie of admiration and friendship that made this period the 'e~French decade'e(tm) in Israel's history. Through a wide ranging exploration of Franco-Israeli relations during the period of de Gaulle's Presidency, Dr Heimann illuminates what both countries sought to achieve from their engagement. For Israel, France provided steadfast political and military support in an uncertain and hostile world. For de Gaulle, Israel offered a practical opportunity for him to engage in international affairs and further his ambition of re-establishing France'e(tm)s place among the super powers. Yet, this period of mutual support and benefit was not to last, and by 1967 relations between the two countries had cooled. For whilst Israel regarded its relationship with France as one between friends, France saw it as a patron-client relationship and was increasingly unwilling to offer Israel unconditional support.

Re-examining the story of Israeli-French relations during the 1950s and 60s, this book charts the descent of a close friendship into hostility and crisis following the Six Day War. Along the way it casts new light upon a range of issues including the suspension of nuclear cooperation between France and Israel; conflict of interest between the two countries; areas of cooperation in the former French African colonies; friction over the rights of French religious institutions in Israel, and the status of Jerusalem; and trade and cultural relations between the countries.