Tensions rise between Israel and France over Macron’s decision to recognise Palestine

A diplomatic rift between Israel and France deepened into crisis on Tuesday after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused President Emmanuel Macron of fuelling “antisemitism” with his plan to recognise a Palestinian state.

The Élysée Palace swiftly rejected the charge, calling Netanyahu’s claim “abject” and “false”. “This is a time for seriousness and responsibility, not for conflation and manipulation,” it said.

Netanyahu’s remarks came in a letter to Macron, seen by AFP, in which he linked France’s recognition plan to a surge in antisemitism. “Your call for a Palestinian state pours fuel on this antisemitic fire,” he wrote, accusing the French leader of “appeasement” and of rewarding Hamas.

Macron announced last month that France would formally recognise a Palestinian state during the UN General Assembly in September, a decision that drew immediate protest from Israel. If carried out, France would join at least 145 UN member states that already recognise Palestine, according to AFP data.

The French presidency insisted that recognition aligns with its long-held support for a two-state solution and stressed that it “protects and will always protect its Jewish citizens”. It added that Macron had consistently ordered strong action against antisemitic crimes, particularly since the October 7, 2023 attacks.

The Palestinian Authority’s foreign ministry dismissed Netanyahu’s comments as “unjustified and hostile to peace”, accusing him of deliberately conflating criticism of Israel’s occupation with antisemitism.

The row comes as antisemitic incidents in France remain high, with more than 1,500 cases recorded last year. France is home to Europe’s largest Jewish community.

Netanyahu also lashed out at Australia on Tuesday after Canberra announced similar plans to recognise Palestinian statehood next month. On his office’s official X account, he denounced Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as “a weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia’s Jews”.

The spat escalated further after Australia cancelled the visa of far-right Israeli lawmaker Simcha Rothman. In retaliation, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar revoked visas for Australia’s representatives to the Palestinian Authority.