Daijiworld Media Network- Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Aug 20: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has launched a sharp attack on French President Emmanuel Macron, accusing him of fuelling antisemitism through his decision to formally recognise a Palestinian state.
In a strongly worded letter seen by AFP, Netanyahu warned Macron that antisemitism had “surged” in France following the announcement. He charged that the French leader’s stand “pours fuel on the antisemitic fire,” calling it appeasement rather than diplomacy.
“Your call for a Palestinian state rewards Hamas terror, hardens Hamas’s refusal to release hostages, emboldens those who menace French Jews and encourages the Jew-hatred now stalking your streets,” Netanyahu wrote. He urged Macron to confront antisemitism with resolve, demanding concrete action by the Jewish New Year on September 23.
Macron, speaking late last month, had declared that France would formally recognise Palestinian statehood at the upcoming UN General Assembly in September, joining a growing list of countries backing the move since the Gaza conflict erupted nearly two years ago.
Responding to Netanyahu’s criticism, French minister for Europe Benjamin Haddad said France required “no lessons in the fight against antisemitism,” stressing that the issue must not be “exploited.”
France is among at least 145 UN member nations that already recognise, or have pledged to recognise, a Palestinian state. Earlier this month, Australia also announced its intention to do so in September.
The development has strained Israel’s ties with both Paris and Canberra. Netanyahu on Tuesday also lashed out at Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, branding him a “weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia’s Jews.”
The diplomatic row deepened after Australia cancelled the visa of far-right Israeli politician Simcha Rothman, part of Netanyahu’s governing coalition, who had been scheduled to address events organised by the Australian Jewish Association.
Hours later, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar retaliated by revoking visas of Australia’s representatives to the Palestinian Authority.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong hit back, calling the move “unjustified,” and said that by isolating itself, Netanyahu’s government was “undermining international efforts towards peace and a two-state solution.”