Diplomatic differences between Israel and France were born when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused France President Emmanuel Macron of promoting anti-Jewish spirit by planning to recognize the Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September. In a letter received by AFP, Netanyahu claimed that this move of Macron “is like putting ghee in the anti-Jewish fire”, and alleged that it would benefit Hamas, their stand towards hostages would be strict and would promote attacks on French Jews. The President’s Office of France resolved to immediately answer these claims, calling them “disgusting” and “wrong”. “France protects its Jewish citizens,” Elisy emphasized that violence against Jews is unbearable.
French Europe Minister Benjamin Haddad dismissed Netanyahu’s allegations and emphasized France’s strong record against anti-Jewish activities. The number of incidents recorded in 2022 increased from 436 to 1,676 in 2023 and then in 2024 to 1,570. Macron, who advocated a two-nation solution, aims to create France the first G7 nation to recognize Palestine, which will join more than 145 members of the United Nations.
Netanyahu also criticized Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanies and called him a “weak politician” to cancel the visa of similar schemes to recognize him and Israeli politician Simcha Rothaman’s visa. Israel retaliated by canceling the visa of representatives of the Palestinian Authority of Australia, after which Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong condemned the move, calling it “unfair” and accused Netanyahu of isolating Israel.
Amid growing stress, United Nations officials reported that Israel has banned five months on entry of shelter materials like tent in Gaza, displacing 7,00,000 people without adequate protection. The United Nations has warned of the dangers of “massive displacement” from Gaza City Campaign in Israel, while Al-Masi has been declared a “safe area”, where there is continuous bombing.
