Diplomatic tension between Israel and France intensifies following Macron's decision to acknowledge the Palestinian state
France is set to formally recognize a Palestinian state during a United Nations meeting in September, joining a list of nations that have done so since the start of the Gaza war nearly two years ago. This decision, however, has sparked controversy and allegations of antisemitism from Israeli leaders.
Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, accused France of contributing to a surge in antisemitism with the announcement of recognizing Palestinian statehood. In a letter to French President, Emmanuel Macron, Netanyahu stated that recognizing a Palestinian state rewards Hamas terror and encourages antisemitism.
The Palestinian Authority's foreign ministry condemned Netanyahu's remarks as "unjustified and hostile to peace." In response, Macron's office stated that the allegation will not go unanswered.
French Minister for Europe, Benjamin Haddad, responded to these allegations, stating that France has "no lessons to learn in the fight against antisemitism." He further asserted that antisemitism is poisoning European societies and France is taking strong action against perpetrators of antisemitic acts.
Data from the interior ministry shows that antisemitic acts in France surged from 436 in 2022 to 1,676 in 2023, before dipping to 1,570 last year. The French government has taken strong action against these acts, particularly after the terrorist attacks in October 2023.
Netanyahu's criticism of France extends to Australia as well. He called Australian leader, Anthony Albanese, a "weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia's Jews," in response to Australia's plan to recognize Palestinian statehood next month.
Israel's Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, revoked the visas of Australia's representatives to the Palestinian Authority in response to the Australian government cancelling the visa of far-right Israeli politician, Simcha Rothman.
France, home to Europe's biggest Jewish community, has long advocated for the "two-state solution." The French presidency called Netanyahu's allegation "abject" and "erroneous," reiterating its commitment to protecting its Jewish citizens.
As the UN meeting approaches, the controversy surrounding France's decision to recognize a Palestinian state continues to unfold, with both sides firmly entrenched in their positions.
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