French President Emmanuel Macron strongly rejected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s claims that France’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state fuels anti-Semitism, describing the accusations as “dismal” and “incorrect.”
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Macron stated, “The analysis linking France’s decision to recognize Palestine with rising anti-Semitic violence in France is wrong and dismal, and will not go unanswered.” His office added that the current period demands seriousness and responsibility, not generalizations or manipulation.
Tensions between Israel and its traditional allies have escalated following Macron’s pledge last month to recognize Palestine, a stance later adopted by the UK, Canada, and Australia, but strongly opposed by Israel.
The strong remarks came after Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese dismissed Netanyahu’s similar accusations against him, calling them baseless and politically weak.
Netanyahu had written to Macron, claiming anti-Semitism in France had “increased” since Macron announced his intention to recognize Palestine at the UN General Assembly next month, adding, “Your call for a Palestinian state pours fuel on the fire of anti-Semitism.”
France hosts the largest Jewish community in Western Europe, estimated at 500,000 people (about 1% of the population), and has witnessed a rise in anti-Semitic incidents, particularly after the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent war in Gaza, including assaults, threats, vandalism, and harassment.
The Élysée Palace stressed that violence against the Jewish community is unacceptable, noting that Macron has repeatedly demanded since 2017 – especially after the events of October 7 – that authorities take the strongest possible action against perpetrators.
Last week, Israel’s El Al airline reported vandalism at its Paris office with anti-Israel graffiti, calling the incident “deeply troubling.” In a separate event, Macron pledged full efforts to track down those responsible for cutting down an olive tree planted in honor of a French Jew killed in 2006.
