After the Paris attack in Charlie Hebdo, an Israeli company offered France terror-tracking software; however, French officials rejected the offer (McKay, foxnews.com). Why? France currently hasn’t stated any specific reason, although Israel has been blamed for various attacks such as the attack on the Gaza Strip and the West Bank in 2015 (ifamericansknew.org). 

Even if these two countries had quarrels in the past, France should not risk further attacks from other countries, especially after the current attacks in Paris. Israel had already attacked French territory in 1981: “Israel’s sneak attack on a French-built nuclear reactor near Baghdad was an act of inexcusable and short-sighted aggression.”(New York Times). The event increased fear in the French community. France is not quick to trust other countries, especially their own government (due to previous hardships), and thus, this event further increased not only their fear but also their insecurity. One of these events was their revolution between 1789-1799, where the citizens lost their trust in Queen Marie-Antoinette and their King. The leaders let the French citizens nearly starve to death.

On one part, it is reasonable for France to deny help from Israel. “French intelligence reportedly rejected an offer to purchase terrorist-scanning and tracking software from an Israeli company that could have helped to prevent the November 2015 attacks in Paris” (RT News). Yet, the French General Directorate for Internal Security did not want help from Israel even if they could have saved people. This clearly shows a lack of the country changing or wanting to get better. Instead of being closed-minded about new technology and receiving help from an ex-enemy, France should accept any help it can get. Every country has their own pride and beliefs, but that should not retain France from helping their people or helping the country prosper. France never asked for help because of their pride, even in the major wars such as World War 1 and 2. However, France should consider the help from Israel and other countries to prevent another potential attack.