Overview

• In a six-page letter released Aug. 26–27, Emmanuel Macron answered Benjamin Netanyahu’s Aug. 17 note that accused him of fueling antisemitism, noting the Israeli letter was publicized before he received it.
• Macron wrote that the fight against antisemitism must not be weaponized and reiterated France’s full mobilization to protect Jewish citizens, recalling his 2017 endorsement of the IHRA definition.
• He argued the IHRA definition does not absolve Israel of responsibility for policies pursued in Gaza and the wider Palestinian territories.
• He condemned what he called an appalling humanitarian disaster in Gaza, denouncing occupation, forced displacement, famine, dehumanizing rhetoric and West Bank annexation, and urged an end to a permanent war.
• He said recognition of a sovereign, demilitarized Palestinian state that recognizes Israel aims to enable durable peace and enhance Israel’s security while rejecting any indulgence for Hamas or other terrorist groups.