France has summoned US Ambassador Charles Kushner after he accused the French government of failing to fight anti-Semitism and of fueling extremism through its criticism of Israel and support for Palestinian statehood.
French officials said the remarks were “unacceptable” and a breach of diplomatic etiquette, warning that Kushner had crossed a line.
Kushner’s Letter Sparks Outrage
In an open letter published in The Wall Street Journal, Kushner claimed that France’s stance on Israel was encouraging extremists.
“Anti-Zionism is anti-Semitism – plain and simple,” he wrote, arguing that French policy endangered Jewish life in the country.
The comments immediately drew sharp reactions in Paris. Officials stressed that France is “fully committed” to protecting Jewish citizens and has taken strong action against anti-Semitism.
France Defends Its Position
The Foreign Ministry rejected Kushner’s claims, saying they undermined the long-standing relationship between France and the United States.
“Such allegations are unacceptable and do not reflect the quality of the transatlantic partnership,” the ministry said in a statement.
French officials also defended their push toward recognizing a Palestinian state, saying the move was rooted in international law and did not contradict their fight against anti-Semitism.
Washington Stands By Its Envoy
Despite the diplomatic row, the US State Department backed Kushner. Spokesperson Tommy Pigott praised him as “doing a great job advancing our national interests in France.”
The dispute underscores the growing gap between Washington and some European capitals over the war in Gaza and the question of Palestinian statehood.
A Broader Divide
Tensions escalated further after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused French President Emmanuel Macron of fueling anti-Semitism by supporting Palestinian statehood. The French presidency dismissed those claims as “abject,” reiterating that Paris remains committed both to protecting Jewish communities and to pursuing a two-state solution.
Rights groups argue that accusations of anti-Semitism are increasingly being used to silence criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, where Palestinians face daily bombings, mass displacement, and a worsening humanitarian crisis.
For now, France finds itself trying to balance two principles: standing firm against anti-Semitism while pushing for peace in the Middle East — even if that means clashing with close allies.
