France is set to summon US Ambassador Charles Kushner following his allegations that the nation has not adequately addressed a surge in antisemitism, echoing sentiments from Israeli officials. In a recent open letter to President Emmanuel Macron published in the Wall Street Journal, Kushner asserted that antisemitism has dramatically increased in France since the onset of the Gaza conflict, stating, "In France, not a day passes without Jews being assaulted in the street."
The French foreign ministry responded firmly, labeling the ambassador’s comments as "unacceptable" and specifying that ambassadors must not interfere in a country’s internal matters, a principle safeguarded by the Vienna Convention of 1961. They have scheduled Kushner to appear next Monday to discuss these serious accusations.
Kushner's statements mirrored those of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who previously expressed similar concerns regarding France’s approach to antisemitism. He criticized Macron for advocating the recognition of Palestinian statehood, a move France intends to formalize in September. Macron seems committed to building a viable Palestinian state while ensuring its demilitarization, emphasizing, "There is no alternative."
Amidst these discussions, President Macron has ramped up security for Jewish sites in France in response to escalating antisemitic incidents, which he deems counterproductive to French values. The ongoing tensions stem from the conflict that erupted following Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, leading to significant casualties on both sides and humanitarian crises in Gaza.
This ongoing situation highlights the complex interplay between geopolitical narratives and domestic social issues as France navigates international relations in a fraught climate.
