Rich and multiform, French influence in the Levant and Palestine was predominant until the end of World War I. While conferring a particular importance upon its religious establishments, France has also always invested in the development of its economic, scientific, and technological relations with the countries in the region. Marking the beginning of France's political disengagement from the Holy Land, the British Mandate period saw, notably, the gradual disappearance of the French language from the cultural life of Palestine. France's return in force to the region would have to await the foundation and decolonization of the State of Israel, first as a close friend of Israel, then, after the Six-Day War, as Europe's most active political power in the Middle East. Series Editor: Amnon Cohen