In a significant diplomatic move, France has summoned US Ambassador to Paris, Charles Kushner, amidst escalating tensions regarding allegations of rising antisemitism in the country.
France Calls US Envoy to Account Over Antisemitism accusations
France Calls US Envoy to Account Over Antisemitism accusations
France reacts strongly to US Ambassador's comments on antisemitism, asserting its sovereignty and commitment to tackle discrimination.
France is set to summon the US ambassador, Charles Kushner, to discuss his recent public comments linking a surge in antisemitism to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The diplomatic response follows Kushner's open letter to President Emmanuel Macron published in the Wall Street Journal, where he alleged that antisemitic incidents have increased drastically since the conflict began. In that letter, he urged Macron to moderate his criticisms of Israel and highlighted disturbing examples of antisemitism in France, such as assaults on Jews, vandalism of synagogues, and threats to Jewish businesses.
The French foreign ministry sharply rejected Kushner's claims, labeling them "unacceptable" and citing the Vienna Convention which prohibits ambassadors from interfering in a nation's internal affairs. Kushner’s statements echo critiques by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has previously accused Macron of exacerbating antisemitism by pushing for the recognition of a Palestinian state, a plan that France aims to implement in September.
Macron has previously condemned antisemitism, asserting it contravenes French values, and has bolstered security measures for Jewish community centers in response to escalating incidents linked to the Gaza conflict, which began after a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The conflict has led to devastating humanitarian consequences, with significant casualties on both sides. As France navigates its diplomatic relationships and domestic challenges, the call for accountability from the US reflects the intricate balance between addressing antisemitism and the ongoing geopolitical strife in the Middle East.
The French foreign ministry sharply rejected Kushner's claims, labeling them "unacceptable" and citing the Vienna Convention which prohibits ambassadors from interfering in a nation's internal affairs. Kushner’s statements echo critiques by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has previously accused Macron of exacerbating antisemitism by pushing for the recognition of a Palestinian state, a plan that France aims to implement in September.
Macron has previously condemned antisemitism, asserting it contravenes French values, and has bolstered security measures for Jewish community centers in response to escalating incidents linked to the Gaza conflict, which began after a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The conflict has led to devastating humanitarian consequences, with significant casualties on both sides. As France navigates its diplomatic relationships and domestic challenges, the call for accountability from the US reflects the intricate balance between addressing antisemitism and the ongoing geopolitical strife in the Middle East.
