Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused French President Emmanuel Macron of stoking anti-Semitism over his decision to recognize a Palestinian state. This is stated in Netanyahu’s letter, publishedPolitician.
In the address, Netanyahu cited examples of anti-Semitic incidents that have occurred in France in recent months and linked them to Macron’s policy on Palestine.
“Your call for a Palestinian state adds fuel to the fire of anti-Semitism. This is not diplomacy, this is appeasement. It rewards Hamas terror, reinforces Hamas’s refusal to release hostages, emboldens those who threaten French Jews, and encourages the hatred of Jews that now haunts your streets.” – emphasized Netanyahu.
Macron’s office responded with a statement after the letter appeared in the media. It emphasized that Netanyahu’s claim about the connection between the decision to recognize Palestine and the rise of anti-Semitic violence in France is “false, vile and will not go unanswered.”
The statement also said Macron would respond to Netanyahu in a letter and highlighted the French president’s efforts to combat anti-Semitism, particularly following the wave of incidents that began after the October 7, 2023, attacks.
“France protects and will always protect its compatriots of the Jewish faith,” – Macron’s office said, adding that the current moment “requires seriousness and responsibility, not confusion and manipulation.”
It will be recalled that France became the first country from the “Group of Seven” to announce its intention to recognize the Palestinian state. This move was sharply criticized by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Palestinian officials welcomed the Paris decision, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it “rewards terror” after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023.
