Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has intensified a diplomatic dispute with Paris, accusing President Emmanuel Macron of fuelling antisemitism by pledging to recognise a Palestinian state. The accusation was delivered in a letter dated 17 August and made public on 19 August. In the six-page missive, Netanyahu wrote that Macron’s stance "pours fuel on the antisemitic fire," claiming it rewards Hamas, hardens the group’s refusal to free hostages and encourages attacks on French Jews. He cited incidents such as the vandalism of El Al offices in Paris and assaults on rabbis, and urged Macron to take “decisive action” against antisemitism before the Jewish New Year on 23 September 2025. The Élysée dismissed the allegations as “abject” and “erroneous,” stressing that the French Republic "will always protect" its Jewish citizens and "has no lessons to receive" on fighting antisemitism. Europe Minister Benjamin Haddad echoed the response, warning against the “instrumentalisation” of the issue and saying Paris would answer the letter formally. Macron announced in late July that France will recognise a Palestinian state during the UN General Assembly in September, aligning with more than 140 UN members. Israel opposes the move and, according to Israeli media, has considered retaliatory steps such as closing France’s Jerusalem consulate, further straining bilateral ties.