ELNET is a non-profit organisation dedicated to strengthening relations between Europe and Israel based on shared democratic values and strategic interests

ELNET in france

  • ELNET France

    France is an influential global player in international institutions such as the UN Security Council, NATO, and the G7. It is a leading military and nuclear power, with the second largest diplomatic network globally. It is dominant in Europe, both politically and economically and has significant historic and political links to the Middle East.

    Political relations between France and Israel are strong. Both countries enjoy robust defense and intelligence ties and have a strong interest in growing economic cooperation.

    Geographic proximity and cultural ties play an important role, as France is home to the largest Jewish community in Europe, while Israel one of the largest French Diasporas can be found in Israel. 700,000 French speakers live in Israel, making up close to 8% of the population.

    French foreign policy has a significant impact on Israel. As a leading member of the P5+1, France played an important diplomatic role in efforts to prevent Iran’s acquisition of nuclear weapons. France was instrumental in including the military wing of Hezbollah in the EU’s designated list of terrorist organisations and plays an important role in Lebanon and specifically in the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

    France and Israel share deep interests in the Middle East, including combating terrorism and extremism, fostering stability, regional cooperation, and peace.

  • elnet in Paris

    ELNET-France was established in Paris in 2010. Main operations include engaging senior politicians and officials, research institutes, business and opinion leaders through delegations, strategic dialogues, policy research and publications.

  • Contact

    ELNET-France

    Paris
    Tel: +33 (0) 1 77 18 08 96
    E-mail:     france@elnetwork.eu

  • Dr Arié Bensemhoun

    CEO, ELNET-France

    Dr Arié Bensemhoun has been the Chief Executive Officer of ELNET France since 2011. He is dentist by profession and made his career in the private sector as a consultant in communications, PR and international relations dealing with Middle East and strategic affairs. Dr Bensemhoun plays a crucial role in the French-Israeli relationship through his commitment both at the community and political levels.

  • Charlotte Gribe

    Deputy Director, ELNET-France

    Charlotte Gribe formerly worked as a Liaison and Research Officer for the American Jewish Committee (AJC) in Paris and a Communication Manager for the European Association of the Friends of the History Museum of Polish Jews. She also served as a representative of LICRA within the UN. She holds an MA in Communication Arts from the New York Institute of Technology.

  • Alexis Cabello

    Junior Project Coordinator, ELNET-France

    Alexis Cabello joined ELNET in 2023. Before joining the ELNET France team, Alexis dedicated his efforts to various European associations and served as an Analyst and Middle East Desk Director for a young professionals’ organization known as GorStra Research Group. He holds an MA in Political Science from the Université Gustave Eiffel and an MA in International Relations from the School of International & Political Studies in Paris, in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research.

  • Felix Egea

    Public Diplomacy Officer

    Felix Egea is the public diplomacy officer of ELNET France since April 2024. He holds a Master's degree in Business Law from Paris Dauphine University. Félix first joined the office of ELNET in Brussels, where he assisted the team in its projects with members of the European institutions. He then joined the Israeli Mission to the EU and NATO as a political and legal consultant. For almost two years, Félix advised and represented Israel before the European Commission and the European Parliament. Following the attacks of 7 October 2023, Félix was in charge of the Mission's communication campaign to combat disinformation.

  • Dan Kosky

    Public Affairs Officer

    From a scientific background but passionate about Politics, Ariel graduated from engineering school and has a master's degree in political science - public affairs management, before preparing for the senior civil service competitions. Parliamentary collaborator in the French Assemblée nationale for a period of two and a half years, he supported the work of the MP of the 8th district of French people living abroad, including the defense of French people living in Israel, the fight against anti-Semitism and the strengthening of bilateral relations between France and Israel.