Israel Preps For French Capital Controls As Immigration Soars

French Jews moving to Israel now face the prospect of new restrictions on transferring savings. Dganit Sankar-Langa, the director-general of the Aliyah and Integration Ministry, said on Monday that the government is preparing for scenarios where post-election decisions in France could make capital transfers more difficult. Officials are weighing this financial risk against the economic crisis in France, which is driving immigration interest alongside antisemitism.

Arrivals from France have increased sharply. Approximately 3,400 Jews immigrated from France in 2025, but more than 4,000 have already arrived in 2026. This represents a nearly 50 percent increase compared to the same period last year. North America, home to nearly eight million Jews, is projected to send only about 4,000 immigrants this year. France currently has a Jewish population of roughly 440,000.

Recent aliyah fairs in Paris, Marseille, and Lyon demonstrated high demand. Over 600 households attended the Paris event, representing about 2,000 individuals. Ministry data indicates that about 90 percent of attendees expressed a desire to immigrate immediately or by 2027. Sankar-Langa noted that many attendees arrived with clear timelines and specific questions about schooling and logistics, rather than tentative inquiries.

Community members describe a shifting social climate in France. Roni, a 75-year-old Paris resident, said that speaking Hebrew or mentioning Israeli military service is now often met with negativity. He noted that many Jews are becoming more cautious in public, with some avoiding kippahs even on religious holidays. This unease is pronounced among younger Jews in their 30s and 40s, who are reevaluating their futures despite successful careers in sectors like high-tech.

The ministry is taking proactive steps to facilitate integration. Representatives from Israel Aerospace Industries, Elbit Systems, and Bank Mizrahi-Tefahot participated in the Paris fair to begin recruitment before immigrants arrive. They met with approximately 200 prospective immigrants and identified over 50 as potentially suitable for available positions. Advanced interviews were conducted with some candidates the day after the fair.

New immigrant communities are forming in various Israeli cities. While Netanya, Tel Aviv, and Ashdod remain primary destinations, new clusters have emerged in Nahariya, Afula, Hadera, and the Neve Sha’anan neighborhood of Haifa. In Or Akiva, approximately 200 immigrants from France have settled in recent years. Prime Minister has instructed officials to formulate a dedicated government plan to support this immigration. Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer stated that the ministry is preparing to absorb thousands more, emphasizing that quality employment is key to successful integration.