French president tells Netanyanhu that continued Gaza war is gift to antisemites

Emmanuel Macron has responded to Benjamin Netanyahu’s claim that his country’s decision to recognise Palestine would fuel an “antisemitic fire” by insisting Israel’s plan to reoccupy Gaza City threatens the safety of Jewish communities across the globe.

In a six-page letter, written in response to one sent by the Israeli Prime Minister was leaked to the media before it reached the Elysée Palace,  the French president condemned what he described as attempts to “weaponise” the genuine fight against antisemitism.

The French leader also rejected claims that recognition of a Palestinian state was a gift to Hamas and a reward for rising antisemitism, claiming the move was instead an “essential” path to security for Israel, as well as for Europe.

“Our determination to ensure that the Palestinian people have a State is rooted in our belief that a lasting peace is essential to the State of Israel’s security,” the French president said in the letter.

He added it was Israeli policy,  notably in Gaza, that was isolating the country and emboldening “those who use them as a pretext for antisemitism”.

Further addressing Netanyahu’s claim that France was helping fuel the rise in anti-Jewish hatred, Macron wrote: “The fight against antisemitism must not be weaponised and will not fuel any discord between Israel and France.

“These accusations of inaction in the face of a scourge that we are fighting with everything in our power are unacceptable and are an offence to France as a whole,” he added.

Macron acknowledged that in the aftermath of the October 7th 2023 Hamas attacks antisemitism had increased in France, but that the increase was less pronounced than in other countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, and Germany.

“Protecting France’s Jewish citizens from the rise in antisemitism has been an absolute priority of mine from day one,” he wrote.

“This is France’s responsibility, and all government services are mobilised to that end.”

But he called antisemitic attacks in France “an abomination”.

In stinging criticism of the war in Gaza, Macron wrote:”I solemnly appeal to you to end the desperate race of a murderous and illegal permanent war in Gaza, causing indignity for your country and placing your people in a deadlock”.

In his letter, he urged the Israeli PM to end “the illegal and unjustifiable recolonisation of the West Bank” and embrace international efforts for “peace, security and prosperity”.

Macron had announced that France would formally recognize a Palestinian state during a UN meeting in September, along with the UK.

In his letter to Macron, Netanyahu had alleged that antisemitism had “surged” in France following the announcement.

“Your call for a Palestinian state pours fuel on this antisemitic fire. It is not diplomacy, it is appeasement,”wrote Netanyahu.