Macron Slams Netanyahu’s Antisemitism Claim as ‘Abject’

French President Emmanuel Macron has forcefully rejected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s claim that France’s move to recognize a Palestinian state is fueling antisemitism, calling the accusation “abject” and “erroneous” in a sharp escalation of diplomatic tensions.

The fiery exchange comes as several of Israel’s traditional allies, including France, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, signal a shift in their stance toward Palestinian statehood, with formal recognition expected at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly.

In a strongly worded statement released Tuesday evening, Macron’s office hit back at Netanyahu’s remarks, saying, “The analysis that France’s decision to recognize the state of Palestine in September explains the rise in antisemitic violence in France is erroneous, abject, and will not go unanswered. The current period calls for seriousness and responsibility, not generalization and manipulation.”

The statement followed a letter sent by Netanyahu to Macron on Monday, in which the Israeli leader claimed antisemitism in France had “surged” since Macron’s public declaration last month to support Palestinian recognition at the UN. “Your call for a Palestinian state pours fuel on this antisemitism fire,” Netanyahu wrote, according to a copy of the letter seen by the Associated Press.

The diplomatic dispute is the latest flashpoint in an increasingly strained relationship between Israel and several Western allies, many of whom are re-evaluating their positions in the wake of the ongoing war in Gaza and mounting humanitarian concerns.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also brushed off Netanyahu’s criticism this week. The Israeli Prime Minister had labeled him “a weak politician who betrayed Israel” over Canberra’s decision to support Palestinian recognition. Albanese declined to engage with the personal attacks, instead reaffirming Australia’s commitment to a peaceful two-state solution.

France, home to the largest Jewish population in Western Europe, estimated at around 500,000 people, has grappled with a troubling rise in antisemitic incidents in recent years. The surge worsened after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel and the subsequent conflict in Gaza. In 2023 alone, French authorities reported hundreds of antisemitic assaults, threats, and acts of vandalism.

“Violence against the Jewish community is unacceptable,” the Élysée Palace said, noting that Macron has instructed successive governments since 2017 to pursue “the strongest possible action” against antisemitic crimes especially since the October 7 attacks.

Last week, Israeli airline El Al reported that its Paris office was defaced with anti-Israel graffiti, calling the vandalism “deeply disturbing.” In another incident that shocked the nation, vandals destroyed an olive tree planted in memory of Ilan Halimi, a young French Jew kidnapped and murdered in 2006. Macron vowed that no effort would be spared to find and prosecute the perpetrators.