The French Presidency blasted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after he accused President Emmanuel Macron of fueling antisemitism by recognizing a Palestinian state, calling the charge “abject” and “erroneous.”
Paris Fires Back
The Élysée Palace on Tuesday sharply condemned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s accusation that France’s recognition of a Palestinian state is driving a surge in antisemitism.
AFP reports that Macron’s office branded the allegation “abject” and “erroneous,” stressing that “France protects and will always protect its Jewish citizens.” The presidency further warned that Netanyahu’s letter containing the claim “will not go unanswered.”
The statement added: “This is a time for seriousness and responsibility, not for conflation and manipulation.”
Netanyahu’s Letter: “Appeasement, Not Diplomacy”
In his letter to Macron, Netanyahu charged that antisemitism had “surged” in France following the French president’s announcement last month that France would recognize a Palestinian state this September — making it the first G7 nation to do so.
“Your call for a Palestinian state pours fuel on this antisemitic fire,” Netanyahu wrote. “It is not diplomacy, it is appeasement. It rewards Hamas terror, hardens Hamas’s refusal to free the hostages, emboldens those who menace French Jews, and encourages the Jew-hatred now stalking your streets.”
Antisemitism in France
France hosts Europe’s largest Jewish community. According to the Interior Ministry, reported antisemitic incidents skyrocketed from 436 in 2022 to 1,676 in 2023, before dipping slightly to 1,570 last year.
France–Israel Rift Deepens
The row comes amid widening friction between Paris and Jerusalem:
- Macron has twice urged an arms embargo on Israel to halt fighting with Hamas and Hezbollah.
- He warned that Israel’s military actions in Gaza may breach international humanitarian law.
- He criticized Netanyahu’s handling of humanitarian aid to Gaza, calling it “shameful” and urging Europe to consider sanctions.
The latest clash underscores a growing diplomatic rift between Israel and one of Europe’s most influential powers.
