France and Israel Diplomatic Tensions Escalate Over Palestinian Statehood
Diplomatic tensions are mounting between France and Israel after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Paris of fuelling antisemitism by preparing to recognise Palestinian statehood, drawing a sharp rebuke from President Emmanuel Macron’s office on Tuesday., reports 24brussels.
Netanyahu warned French President Emmanuel Macron in a leaked letter that Paris’ stance risked encouraging attacks against Jews, which he claimed were increasing in France.
“Your call for a Palestinian state pours fuel on this antisemitic fire,” Netanyahu asserted, alleging that such recognition rewards Hamas terrorism.
The French presidency condemned the accusation as “erroneous, abject and unacceptable.” A statement emphasized that violence against Jewish communities “will not go unanswered,” but stated that it cannot be linked to France’s diplomatic position.
“The period requires seriousness and responsibility, not amalgams and manipulations,” the statement read. Macron is expected to respond formally to Netanyahu in writing.
France indicated its potential support for a Palestinian state recognition at the United Nations in September, a move that Israel vigorously opposes.
This debate is poised to be one of the most contentious diplomatic conflicts following the October 2023 Hamas attacks and Israel’s subsequent military actions in Gaza, which have strained Western unity on Middle East policy.
Ahead of the UN General Assembly next month, Netanyahu has also reached out to Australia’s prime minister after Canberra announced its intention to join the UK, France, and Canada in recognizing a Palestinian state.
