Paris, August 20, 2025 – The Europe Today: France on Tuesday firmly rejected accusations from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state was fuelling anti-Semitism in the country, describing the claim as “abject” and “erroneous.”
“France protects and will always protect its Jewish citizens,” the French presidency said in a statement, adding that Netanyahu’s letter containing the allegation “will not go unanswered.” The statement stressed, “This is a time for seriousness and responsibility, not for conflation and manipulation.”
The diplomatic rift follows Macron’s announcement last month that France would formally recognise a Palestinian state during the upcoming UN meeting in September, making it the first G7 nation to take such a step. The move prompted immediate criticism from Israel. In a letter seen by AFP, Netanyahu claimed that anti-Semitism had “surged” in France since the announcement, warning that the decision “pours fuel on this anti-Semitic fire” and “encourages Jew-hatred now stalking your streets.”
Paris rejected the accusation, reiterating its commitment to combating anti-Semitism. “Violence against the Jewish community is intolerable,” the presidency said, noting that Macron has consistently demanded the strongest measures against anti-Semitic acts since 2017, particularly in the wake of the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks.
Benjamin Haddad, France’s Minister for Europe, also responded sharply, stating that France has “no lessons to learn in the fight against anti-Semitism.” He added that the issue, “which is poisoning our European societies, must not be exploited.”
France, home to Europe’s largest Jewish community, recorded a sharp rise in anti-Semitic acts in recent years, from 436 incidents in 2022 to 1,676 in 2023, before dipping slightly to 1,570 last year, according to the interior ministry.
At least 145 of the 193 UN member states have now recognised or announced plans to recognise a Palestinian state, with Australia joining the list earlier this month by declaring its intention to extend recognition in September.
