French President Emmanuel Macron has launched a blistering diplomatic broadside against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, branding his claims of an antisemitic surge in France as "abject" and utterly unfounded. The extraordinary public condemnation marks a significant deterioration in Franco-Israeli relations amid ongoing tensions over the Gaza conflict.
A Diplomatic Earthquake
The escalating row erupted after Netanyahu's office issued a statement suggesting French Jews were facing unprecedented antisemitic threats, prompting immediate and fierce pushback from the Élysée Palace. Macron's office delivered a point-by-point rebuttal, systematically dismantling the Israeli leader's assertions and accusing him of misrepresenting France's steadfast commitment to protecting its Jewish community.
Questioning Motives
French officials pointedly questioned Netanyahu's timing and motives, suggesting the comments were designed to deflect from mounting international criticism of Israel's military operations in Gaza. "This attempt to instrumentalise the security of French Jews for political purposes is particularly deplorable," a senior French diplomatic source stated.
The Data Dispute
At the heart of the confrontation lies a fundamental disagreement over statistics. While France has acknowledged a concerning rise in antisemitic incidents following recent Middle East tensions, authorities maintain the situation remains under control and is being robustly addressed. Macron's administration emphasised that France's Jewish community—the largest in Europe—enjoys comprehensive state protection.
Historical Context
The Macron-Netanyahu clash represents perhaps the most severe public falling-out between French and Israeli leaders in recent memory. Relations between the two nations have been increasingly strained since Hamas's 7 October attacks, with Macron positioning France as a critical voice urging restraint and humanitarian consideration in Gaza.
International Repercussions
This very public spat threatens to further isolate Netanyahu on the international stage, where he already faces growing diplomatic headwinds. Macron's forceful response signals diminishing patience among Western allies with what many perceive as the Israeli government's increasingly confrontational approach to foreign criticism.
The rupture leaves Franco-Israeli relations at their lowest ebb in years, with no immediate path to reconciliation evident. As the Gaza conflict continues with no resolution in sight, diplomatic tensions between traditional allies appear likely to worsen before they improve.
