France has officially summoned US Ambassador to Paris, Charles Kushner, amid rising tensions concerning antisemitic incidents in the country. The decision follows Kushner's open letter to French President Emmanuel Macron, published in the Wall Street Journal, where he condemned France for what he described as an "explosion of hatred towards Jews" since the escalation of the Gaza conflict. Kushner, who is Jewish and has familial ties to former President Donald Trump, criticized Macron for his remarks toward Israel, suggesting these could contribute to antisemitism within France.
In response, the French Foreign Ministry issued a forceful rejection of Kushner's claims, labeling them "unacceptable" and emphasizing that the ambassador would meet with officials on Monday. The official statement underscored that ambassadors should refrain from interfering in a nation’s internal matters, citing the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
Kushner's letter detailed a troubling picture of antisemitic acts in France, illustrating how Jews face assaults and vandalism of synagogues and businesses daily. He offered to collaborate with French leaders to establish a serious plan to combat this issue. His remarks reflect a broader context of criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who accused Macron of fostering antisemitism by advocating for the recognition of a Palestinian state—a claim that France intends to pursue in September.
Macron has emphasized the importance of creating a viable Palestinian state and bolstering the security of both Palestinians and Israelis. His administration has also reinforced protective measures around Jewish communities following an uptick in antisemitic incidents linked to ongoing tensions in Gaza. The conflict flared after Hamas's attack on Israel in early October, prompting widespread violence and resulting casualties. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, prompting international concern about the worsening conditions for its residents.
