France’s transport ministry has suspended an air traffic controller at Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle airport after recordings confirmed the employee broadcast the words “Free Palestine” to the cockpit of an El Al flight during its departure on 11 August. The controller, who was working for the CRNA Nord centre at Athis-Mons, has been barred from all duties until further notice. Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot said the message violated radio-communication rules that must be limited to safety instructions and breached the civil-service neutrality obligation. “The analysis of the recordings proves the facts are established,” Tabarot wrote on X, adding that a disciplinary inquiry was opened immediately and that “the sanction must match the gravity of the act.” The incident, reported by the Israeli flag carrier, has drawn criticism from the Council of Jewish Institutions in France, which called the exchange “unacceptable” and contrary to established security protocols. No impact on flight safety was reported, but officials said the investigation will examine whether further measures are needed to prevent similar occurrences.