Relations between France and Israel deteriorated further after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent a letter to President Emmanuel Macron accusing him of “pouring fuel on the antisemitic fire” by announcing that France will recognise a Palestinian state next month. The letter, dated 17 August and obtained by several news outlets, says antisemitism has “surged” in France since Macron’s pledge and urges the French leader to “replace weakness with action” before the Jewish New Year on 23 September. The Élysée Palace swiftly rejected the charge, calling the analysis “abject” and “erroneous” and stressing that the French Republic “protects and will always protect its Jewish citizens.” European Affairs Minister Benjamin Haddad echoed the response, saying France needs “no lessons” in fighting antisemitism and warning against exploiting the issue for political ends. A formal written reply from Macron is being prepared, according to presidential officials. Macron announced in July that he would formally recognise a Palestinian state during the 80th UN General Assembly session in September, joining at least 145 UN member states that have already taken or announced similar steps. The move, welcomed by Palestinian officials, has drawn sharp criticism from Israel, which argues it rewards Hamas and undermines efforts to free Israeli hostages. Domestic voices in France, including CRIF president Yonathan Arfi, urged both governments to keep the fight against antisemitism above diplomatic disputes.