Tensions between France and Israel escalated following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's assertion that recognizing the Palestinian state fuels antisemitism. The French presidency, including President Emmanuel Macron, strongly condemned Netanyahu's remarks as "abject," "wrong," and "based on misconceptions." Paris rejected the accusation that its move to recognize Palestine contributes to rising antisemitic violence in France, calling it an erroneous and disgraceful analysis. Macron warned that Israel's planned military offensive in Gaza, particularly an assault on Gaza City, would lead to a "real disaster" for both peoples and could trigger a prolonged regional conflict. Macron emphasized that ending the Gaza war requires a permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages, substantial humanitarian aid to Gaza, disarmament of Hamas, and strengthening the Palestinian Authority. The diplomatic rift deepened amid France's intention to officially recognize the Palestinian state within a month, a decision Israel views as a strategic error made without coordination. Israeli Ambassador to France Joshua Zarka highlighted a significant rise in antisemitism in France and Europe, with Jewish children fearing to identify themselves in schools. Meanwhile, Netanyahu also criticized other countries, including Australia and the UK, for their recognition pledges, accusing the UK of rewarding Hamas for the October 7 attacks. French officials and analysts described Netanyahu's use of antisemitism accusations as a recurrent diplomatic tactic. The ongoing verbal escalation occurs as Israel intensifies its Gaza offensive.