Overview

• France published a six-page letter in which Emmanuel Macron rejects Benjamin Netanyahu’s accusation that Paris is failing on antisemitism and says the issue must not be weaponized.
• Netanyahu had argued that Macron’s push for Palestinian statehood recognition “pours fuel on this antisemitic fire” and called the policy appeasement that emboldens Hamas.
• Macron reaffirmed plans announced in July to recognize a Palestinian state at a United Nations gathering next month and described the envisioned state as sovereign, demilitarized and recognizing Israel.
• The dispute has widened to the United States after Ambassador Charles Kushner accused France of insufficient action against antisemitism, prompting a formal protest from Paris that he did not attend in person.
• Allied governments including the U.K., Canada and Australia have conditionally pledged to consider recognition, drawing Netanyahu’s criticism, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled the recognition push reckless.