Netanyahu attacks France over Palestine.. and the Élysée responds: Despicable statement

In a move that sparked widespread controversy, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized French President Emmanuel Macron's call to recognize Palestine as a state, considering that this call fuels the "fire of anti-Semitism" in France. This came in a message Netanyahu sent to Macron, where he noted that anti-Semitism has risen significantly in France following Macron's announcement.

Netanyahu argued that Macron's call for the recognition of a Palestinian state pours fuel on the fire of anti-Semitism, describing this step as not diplomatic but rather appeasement of terrorism. He added that this call strengthens Hamas's insistence on not releasing hostages and feeds hatred against Jews in France.

In response, the French presidency condemned Netanyahu's statements, emphasizing that linking France's decision to recognize the state of Palestine with anti-Semitic violence is "based on fallacies." The Élysée statement confirmed that this remark is "despicable and will not go unanswered," noting that Macron will respond to Netanyahu's message.

The statement also indicated that violence against the Jewish community is unacceptable, and that Macron has urged all his governments since 2017 to take the utmost firmness against perpetrators of anti-Semitic acts, especially following the terrorist attacks that occurred on October 7, 2023.

In a related context, the Minister Delegate for European Affairs, Benjamin Haddad, affirmed that France does not need lessons in combating anti-Semitism, stressing that this issue cannot be exploited or manipulated. He clarified that French authorities have always been highly mobilized against anti-Semitism.

It is worth noting that President Macron had previously announced Paris's intention to recognize the state of Palestine next September, which angered the occupying state. Several other countries, such as Canada and Australia, have also announced their intention to recognize Palestine, reflecting a growing international support for the Palestinian cause.

These developments are part of an increasing wave of international recognition of Palestine, with 145 countries out of 193 UN member states recognizing or announcing their intention to recognize a Palestinian state. This recognition comes at a very sensitive time, as tensions in the region are escalating.

Netanyahu also launched sharp criticisms at his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, describing him as a "weak politician who betrayed Israel," following his criticism of Tel Aviv's decision to revoke the visas of its diplomatic representatives to the Palestinian Authority.