Strike two: Macron rejects Netanyahu's antisemitism claims

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News Websites
26 Aug 2025 23:16

Macron dismissed Benjamin Netanyahu’s accusations of inaction on antisemitism in France, warning the issue must not be weaponized.

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France's President Emmanuel Macron gestures as he speaks during the presentation of the European Pact for the Oceans at the third UN Ocean Conference in Nice, French Riviera, Monday, June 9, 2025 (AP)

French President Emmanuel Macron has strongly rejected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's criticism of "rising antisemitism" in France, stressing that the issue must not be exploited for political purposes.

“Accusations of inaction in the face of a scourge that we are fighting with everything in our power are unacceptable and are an offence to France as a whole,” Macron wrote in a letter to Netanyahu, published Tuesday in several French newspapers.

He added that “the fight against antisemitism must not be weaponised and will not fuel any discord between Israel and France.”

The exchange comes amid heated debates over an increase in antisemitic acts in France, fueled in part by international tensions surrounding the war in Gaza.

Gaza war, Palestine recognition fuel tensions

In the same letter, Macron urged Netanyahu to bring an end to the Gaza war, which has devastated the territory and created a humanitarian crisis.

“I solemnly appeal to you to end the desperate race of a murderous and illegal permanent war in Gaza, causing indignity for your country and placing your people in a deadlock,” Macron wrote.

Tensions between Paris and Tel Aviv have grown since Macron announced that France would formally recognize a Palestinian state during a UN meeting scheduled for September.

In a letter sent earlier this month, Netanyahu alleged that antisemitism had “surged” in France following Macron’s announcement. He argued that “your call for a Palestinian state pours fuel on this antisemitic fire. It is not diplomacy, it is appeasement” of Hamas militants in Gaza.

US Ambassador’s comments spark row with Paris

The dispute was further complicated by remarks from US Ambassador to France Charles Kushner, who accused Paris of failing to take sufficient action against antisemitism.

The French Foreign Ministry summoned the ambassador on Monday. However, since Kushner was absent, the US embassy’s charge d’affaires attended in his place. French officials described Kushner’s allegations as “unacceptable.”

This latest diplomatic row highlights growing friction between France, "Israel," and the United States over antisemitism, Palestinian statehood, and the ongoing Gaza war.