Tensions between Israel and France have escalated following French President Emmanuel Macron's announcement to recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent an official letter to Macron accusing him of fueling antisemitism in France by calling for the international recognition of Palestine. Netanyahu described Macron's actions as "pouring fuel on this antisemitic fire" and labeled the move as appeasement rather than diplomacy. The French presidency condemned Netanyahu's accusation as "abject." The dispute has raised concerns about the impact on Franco-Israeli relations and efforts to combat antisemitism in France. Additionally, the U.S. ambassador to Paris expressed deep concern over the rise of antisemitism in France and criticized the French government's insufficient response. The controversy has galvanized hard-line elements within Israel and drawn attention to the broader geopolitical implications of Macron's decision. Macron's approval rating has reportedly dropped below 17%, with some analysts suggesting his recognition move aims to gain support from France's growing Islamist population.
L'ambassadeur américain à Paris dénonce "l'absence d'action suffisante" de la France "face à la flambée de l'antisémitisme" https://t.co/phIosxvME2
Antisémitisme: "La posture américaine soutenant la politique de Netanyahu amène à ce que les ambassadeurs américains aient une position très dure" lance Alain Bauer, professeur de criminologie https://t.co/X3n9juaTnE
French President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state has sparked a backlash from the Israeli government, galvanizing hard-liners and drawing an accusation from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he is stirring up antisemitism. https://t.co/06WTjQBaWl