French President Emmanuel Macron strongly rejected Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent criticism over rising antisemitism in France and warned the issue should not be “weaponized,” in a letter to the Israeli leader published Tuesday.
“These accusations of inaction in the face of a scourge that we are fighting with everything in our power are unacceptable and are an offense to France as a whole,” Macron wrote in a letter published in several newspapers, which was obtained by The Times of Israel.
“The fight against antisemitism must not be weaponized and will not fuel any discord between Israel and France.”
Israel has been under mounting pressure to wrap up its campaign in Gaza, where the war — which began with the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, massacre in southern communities — has created a humanitarian crisis and devastated much of the territory, and bring home the hostages held there.
“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 in Tuesday’s letter.
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In a letter sent in mid-August, Netanyahu had complained that Macron’s promise that France would recognise a Palestinian state was fueling antisemitism.
Protesters hold a placard reading “Have you gotten used used to antisemitism? We haven’t,” at a rally to condemn the alleged antisemitic gang rape of a 12 year-old girl, outside the Paris city hall, June 19, 2024. (Alain Jocard/AFP)
Macron had announced that France would formally recognize a Palestinian state during a UN meeting in September. Many Western nations have followed in Paris’s footsteps.
In his letter to Macron, Netanyahu alleged that antisemitism had “surged” in France following the announcement.
“Your call for a Palestinian state pours fuel on this antisemitic fire. It is not diplomacy, it is appeasement,” of the Hamas terrorists that Israel is fighting in Gaza, the prime minister wrote.
Jacob Magid contributed to this report.
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