France Summons US Envoy Over Antisemitism Claims
France has summoned U.S. Ambassador Charles Kushner after he accused the French government of not doing enough to counter a rise in antisemitic violence. The French Foreign Ministry called his remarks “unacceptable” and said they crossed diplomatic limits.
Contents of the Letter
Kushner’s open letter, published in a U.S. newspaper, expressed concern about a sharp increase in antisemitic incidents in France since late 2023. He urged President Emmanuel Macron to act more decisively and warned that policies such as supporting recognition of a Palestinian state risked encouraging hostility toward Jewish communities.
French Rejection of Allegations
French officials firmly rejected the claims, stressing that combating antisemitism is a national priority. The Foreign Ministry argued that Kushner’s statements amounted to interference in domestic affairs and were not in line with diplomatic protocol.
Broader Diplomatic Fallout
The incident has added strain to France-U.S. relations, which have already faced friction over Middle East policy, trade issues, and international peacekeeping roles. Paris reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its Jewish citizens and insisted it would not accept external pressure in its internal affairs.
