Macron Slams Netanyahu Over Palestinian State Remarks/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ French President Emmanuel Macron rejected Prime Minister Netanyahu’s claim that France’s recognition of a Palestinian state is fueling antisemitism. Macron called the accusation “abject” and “erroneous” amid growing international rifts. He reaffirmed France’s stance against antisemitic violence and its commitment to a two-state solution.
Macron-Netanyahu Dispute: Quick Looks
- Harsh Words from Macron: The French president condemned Netanyahu’s letter as “abject” and “erroneous.”
- Palestinian State Recognition: France plans to recognize Palestine at the U.N. in September.
- Growing Diplomatic Rift: Australia, Britain, and Canada back the move, despite Israeli pushback.
- Antisemitism Allegations: Netanyahu claims France’s policy fuels antisemitism in French society.
- France Denies Link: Macron’s office calls the claim manipulative and false.
- France’s Jewish Population: Home to 500,000 Jews, France combats rising antisemitic acts.
- Macron’s Policy: Strong action urged against antisemitic threats since October 2023.
- Recent Incidents: El Al office vandalized; tree memorial destroyed in separate attacks.
Deep Look: Macron Rebukes Netanyahu’s Accusation Linking Palestine Recognition to Antisemitism
PARIS (AP) — Tensions are rising between Israel and France as French President Emmanuel Macron issued a sharp rebuke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who accused the French leader of fueling antisemitism through his support for Palestinian statehood.
In a strongly worded statement released Tuesday evening, Macron denounced Netanyahu’s allegations as “abject,” “erroneous,” and unacceptable. The Israeli prime minister had sent a letter to Macron asserting that antisemitic incidents in France have surged since Macron’s recent declaration to formally recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September.
Netanyahu’s letter, dated Monday and obtained by the Associated Press, said Macron’s move “pours fuel on the fire” of antisemitism. France, Netanyahu wrote, is experiencing a spike in anti-Jewish sentiment directly linked to its foreign policy shift.
Macron’s office forcefully rejected the claim:
“The analysis that France’s decision to recognize the state of Palestine in September explains the rise in antisemitic violence in France is erroneous, abject, and will not go unanswered,” read the official response.
“The current period calls for seriousness and responsibility, not generalization and manipulation.”
France’s Recognition of Palestine Sparks Broader Backlash
France’s pledge to recognize a Palestinian state is part of a growing trend among Western powers re-evaluating Middle East policy amid the prolonged Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In recent weeks, Britain, Canada, and Australia have announced similar intentions — moves that have drawn Israel’s ire.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was also targeted in Netanyahu’s criticisms, calling him a “weak politician” who had “betrayed Israel.” Albanese dismissed the remarks, saying that his government’s recognition of Palestinian statehood aligns with international efforts to push for a peaceful two-state resolution.
France’s Fight Against Antisemitism
France is home to the largest Jewish population in Western Europe — approximately 500,000 people — representing roughly 1% of its total population. Over the past few years, antisemitic incidents have sharply increased, particularly after the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza.
These incidents have included assaults, threats, graffiti, and online harassment. The French government has responded with heightened security and legislative efforts, and Macron has consistently instructed his administrations to take firm action against antisemitic behavior.
“Violence against the Jewish community is unacceptable,” his office reiterated, emphasizing that Macron had made combatting antisemitism a priority since the start of his presidency and had doubled efforts following the October 7 attacks.
Recent Antisemitic Incidents Underscore Tensions
Incidents of antisemitism continue to surface in France. Last week, Israeli airline El Al reported that its Paris office was defaced with anti-Israel graffiti, calling the vandalism “deeply disturbing.”
In a separate symbolic attack, vandals cut down an olive tree planted in memory of Ilan Halimi, a young French Jew who was tortured and murdered in a high-profile antisemitic case in 2006. Macron condemned the act and vowed that no effort would be spared in identifying and prosecuting the perpetrators.
Macron’s Balancing Act
Macron’s administration has tried to walk a diplomatic tightrope, asserting France’s long-standing support for a two-state solution while affirming its opposition to antisemitism. The French president sees Palestinian recognition not as a threat to Jewish safety but as a strategic step toward de-escalating one of the world’s longest-running conflicts.
His government’s latest statement underscores that foreign policy should not be manipulated to serve internal or ideological agendas:
“This is a moment for diplomacy, not distortion. Our commitment to Jewish communities and Palestinian rights are not mutually exclusive.”
As France prepares to make its case at the U.N. General Assembly next month, Macron’s stance reflects growing international fatigue with the status quo and a renewed willingness to challenge traditional alliances — even when it sparks political backlash from Israel.
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