Israel sharpens attack on France over Palestinian state recognition plan

A row between Israel and France over Paris’ plan to recognise a Palestinian state next month escalated to crisis level on Tuesday when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused President Emmanuel Macron of fomenting “antisemitism”.

The Elysee hit back, calling Netanyahu’s allegation “abject” and “erroneous”.

“This is a time for seriousness and responsibility, not for conflation and manipulation,” the French presidency added.

Netanyahu’s accusation was sent in a letter addressed to Macron, seen by Agence France-Presse, which said that antisemitism had “surged” in France following the French president’s announcement last month that he would recognise Palestinian statehood.

Macron said France would formally recognise a Palestinian state during a UN meeting in September, a move that at the time drew a swift rebuke from Israel.

In his letter, Netanyahu said to Macron: “Your call for a Palestinian state pours fuel on this antisemitic fire. It is not diplomacy, it is appeasement. It rewards Hamas terror, hardens Hamas’ refusal to free the hostages, emboldens those who menace French Jews and encourages the Jew-hatred now stalking your streets.”