France Rejects Netanyahu's Antisemitism Claim as 'Abject'
French government responds to Israeli prime minister's accusation over Palestinian state recognition.
France has strongly condemned what it deems an 'abject' and 'erroneous' claim by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that President Emmanuel Macron's decision to recognize a Palestinian state is fueling antisemitism within the country.
In response to Netanyahu's accusation, Macron's office reaffirmed France's unwavering commitment to protecting its Jewish citizens and criticized Netanyahu's letter as an opportunity for 'conflation and manipulation.' This statement came after Macron announced that France would officially recognize Palestine during a September UN meeting, making it the first G7 nation to do so.
Israel swiftly criticized this move, with Netanyahu suggesting that antisemitism has surged in France following the announcement.
He accused Macron of essentially appeasing Hamas by recognizing a Palestinian state, which he claims emboldens those threatening French Jews and encourages Jew-hatred.
Despite these allegations, France remains among the 145 UN member states that have recognized or intend to recognize Palestine.
Recent developments include Australia's intention to join this list in September, making it clear that there is significant international support for recognizing Palestine.
The French government emphasizes its zero-tolerance policy towards violence against the Jewish community and has taken strong actions against antisemitic acts since 2017, especially after the October 2023 terrorist attacks.
France's minister for Europe, Benjamin Haddad, further defended the country's stance by stating that there is no need for lessons in combating antisemitism.
The surge of reported antisemitic incidents within France, from 436 cases in 2022 to a peak of 1,676 in 2023 before slightly declining to 1,570 last year, highlights the ongoing challenge this poses to European societies.
In response to Netanyahu's accusation, Macron's office reaffirmed France's unwavering commitment to protecting its Jewish citizens and criticized Netanyahu's letter as an opportunity for 'conflation and manipulation.' This statement came after Macron announced that France would officially recognize Palestine during a September UN meeting, making it the first G7 nation to do so.
Israel swiftly criticized this move, with Netanyahu suggesting that antisemitism has surged in France following the announcement.
He accused Macron of essentially appeasing Hamas by recognizing a Palestinian state, which he claims emboldens those threatening French Jews and encourages Jew-hatred.
Despite these allegations, France remains among the 145 UN member states that have recognized or intend to recognize Palestine.
Recent developments include Australia's intention to join this list in September, making it clear that there is significant international support for recognizing Palestine.
The French government emphasizes its zero-tolerance policy towards violence against the Jewish community and has taken strong actions against antisemitic acts since 2017, especially after the October 2023 terrorist attacks.
France's minister for Europe, Benjamin Haddad, further defended the country's stance by stating that there is no need for lessons in combating antisemitism.
The surge of reported antisemitic incidents within France, from 436 cases in 2022 to a peak of 1,676 in 2023 before slightly declining to 1,570 last year, highlights the ongoing challenge this poses to European societies.
