France has announced it will summon the US ambassador to Paris, Charles Kushner, following what it deems unacceptable remarks regarding the country's struggle with rising antisemitism. The comments were made in an open letter Kushner directed to French President Emmanuel Macron, published in the Wall Street Journal. The ambassador, who is Jewish and has familial ties to Trump, echoed Israeli sentiments criticizing France's handling of antisemitism since hostilities in Gaza began.
Kushner's assertion that "there has been an explosion of hatred towards Jews in France" prompted a swift response from the French foreign ministry, which labeled these claims as "unacceptable" and announced Kushner would meet with diplomatic officials on Monday. His letter urged Macron to lessen his public criticism of Israel while presenting alarming data on antisemitic incidents, including assaults against Jews and vandalism of synagogues and businesses. He expressed willingness to collaborate with French leaders to devise a concrete plan to combat these issues.
The French ministry reiterated that international diplomacy must adhere to the 1961 Vienna Convention, stating that ambassadors should not interfere in domestic policy matters. Kushner's letter closely mirrored Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks to Macron last week, where Netanyahu alleged that Macron's support for Palestinian state recognition contributes to antisemitism.
In response to Kushner's letter, Macron, who has denounced antisemitism as contrary to French values, emphasized the necessity of establishing a viable Palestinian state while ensuring its demilitarization contributes to regional security. France's formal intention to recognize Palestine in September triggered increased security measures for Jewish sites within the country.
The ongoing conflict, ignited by a Hamas attack on Israeli territory on October 7, 2023, has resulted in significant casualties, with a reported death toll surpassing 60,000 in Gaza, according to health officials. Amidst the turmoil, a famine has been confirmed in Gaza City, intensifying humanitarian concerns, although Israel disputes these claims. As the situation evolves, France’s diplomatic approach and its implications for antisemitism within its borders remain closely monitored.
Kushner's assertion that "there has been an explosion of hatred towards Jews in France" prompted a swift response from the French foreign ministry, which labeled these claims as "unacceptable" and announced Kushner would meet with diplomatic officials on Monday. His letter urged Macron to lessen his public criticism of Israel while presenting alarming data on antisemitic incidents, including assaults against Jews and vandalism of synagogues and businesses. He expressed willingness to collaborate with French leaders to devise a concrete plan to combat these issues.
The French ministry reiterated that international diplomacy must adhere to the 1961 Vienna Convention, stating that ambassadors should not interfere in domestic policy matters. Kushner's letter closely mirrored Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks to Macron last week, where Netanyahu alleged that Macron's support for Palestinian state recognition contributes to antisemitism.
In response to Kushner's letter, Macron, who has denounced antisemitism as contrary to French values, emphasized the necessity of establishing a viable Palestinian state while ensuring its demilitarization contributes to regional security. France's formal intention to recognize Palestine in September triggered increased security measures for Jewish sites within the country.
The ongoing conflict, ignited by a Hamas attack on Israeli territory on October 7, 2023, has resulted in significant casualties, with a reported death toll surpassing 60,000 in Gaza, according to health officials. Amidst the turmoil, a famine has been confirmed in Gaza City, intensifying humanitarian concerns, although Israel disputes these claims. As the situation evolves, France’s diplomatic approach and its implications for antisemitism within its borders remain closely monitored.
