France Summons U.S. Ambassador Kushner Amid Diplomatic Spat Over Antisemitism Allegations

France has formally summoned the American ambassador to Paris, Charles Kushner, following a strongly worded letter he sent to President Emmanuel Macron, alleging that France has not taken adequate measures to combat antisemitism.

The French Foreign Ministry issued a statement Sunday, deeming Kushner’s criticisms “unacceptable” and confirming his summons for Monday. France firmly rejected the allegations, asserting that French authorities are “fully mobilized” against a rise in antisemitic acts over the past two years, which it described as “intolerable.” The ministry further stated that Kushner’s remarks violated international law and the principle of non-interference in another country’s internal affairs, adding that they undermine the quality of the transatlantic partnership and trust between allies.

This diplomatic incident highlights a growing rift between the United States and its European partners, particularly as Washington’s close ally, Israel, faces increasing international scrutiny amid its military actions in Gaza. In his open letter published in the Wall Street Journal on Sunday, Ambassador Kushner contended that antisemitism has surged in France since Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack, and criticized public statements and gestures towards recognizing a Palestinian state for emboldening extremists and endangering Jewish life.

The U.S. State Department, through spokesperson Tommy Pigott, affirmed its support for Ambassador Kushner’s comments on Sunday evening, stating he is effectively advancing U.S. national interests. The summoning comes as France announced last month its intention to recognize a Palestinian state in September, a move echoed by other traditional Israeli allies. President Macron had previously denounced Israeli Prime Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s accusations that such a move fuels antisemitism, labeling the suggestion as “abject” and “erroneous.”

Kushner, who was confirmed as Ambassador in May of this year, urged President Macron in his letter to act decisively, enforce hate-crime laws, ensure the safety of Jewish institutions, and abandon steps that lend legitimacy to Hamas. France is home to Europe’s largest Jewish population, estimated at 500,000.

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