Paris Responds to Netanyahu: Linking Recognition of Palestine to Antisemitism is "Despicable and Based on Fallacies"

SadaNews - French Minister Delegate for European Affairs, Benjamin Haddad, stated today, Tuesday, that France "does not need lessons in combating antisemitism," in response to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's accusation of President Emmanuel Macron of fueling "antisemitism."

Following global efforts to recognize a Palestinian state, Netanyahu sent a message to Macron, claiming that the French president had "ignited the fire of antisemitism."

The French president emphasized that Netanyahu's linking of the recognition of Palestine to antisemitism is "despicable and based on fallacies."

Haddad declared to the French channel "BFM TV": "I want to say clearly and firmly, that the issue of antisemitism, which poisons our European societies, and we have witnessed a surge in violent antisemitic acts since the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, cannot be exploited."

He noted that the French authorities "have never wavered in their fight against antisemitism."

Earlier on Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attacked his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, over a decision to deny entry visas to former Israeli Minister Ayelet Shaked and extremist Knesset member Simha Rothman.

Netanyahu wrote in English on his "X" account that "history will remember who (the Prime Minister of Australia) Albanese is: a weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned the Jews of Australia," as he put it.

Earlier today, Australia criticized Israel's decision to withdraw the visas of diplomatic representatives of Canberra to the Palestinian Authority, with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong describing the move as a "unjustified reaction."

She clarified in a statement that "while we need dialogue and diplomacy more than ever, (Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu's government is isolating Israel and undermining international efforts towards peace and a two-state solution."

The Israeli action followed Australia's ban on the entry of extremist Knesset member and head of the parliamentary Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, Simha Rothman (from "Religious Zionism"), who was scheduled to give speeches during a tour.

Relations between the two sides have seen increasing tension after Canberra announced its intention to recognize the State of Palestine during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly meetings in September. Australian Interior Minister Tony Burke confirmed that his country would not allow the entry of individuals seeking to "foster division."