France summons US ambassador over antisemitism allegations

France summoned the American ambassador Charles Kushner after he wrote a letter to French President Emmanuel Macron alleging France had failed to do enough to stem antisemitic violence, a French foreign ministry spokesperson said on Sunday (24 August).

Kushner, who is Jewish and whose son is married to U.S. President Donald Trump’s daughter, published the open letter in the Wall Street Journal amid deep divides between France and the U.S. and Israel.

The letter reflects broader tensions rooted in differing approaches to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly regarding the ongoing war in Gaza, the recognition of a Palestinian state, and Israel’s recent settlement expansion plans in the West Bank.

In the letter, Kushner urged French President Emmanuel Macron to more urgently enforce hate-crime laws and tone down criticism of Israel, saying French government statements about recognising a Palestinian state have fuelled antisemitic incidents in France. He argued that such statements embolden extremists, writing, “Public statements haranguing Israel and gestures toward recognition of a Palestinian state embolden extremists, fuel violence, and endanger Jewish life in France. In today’s world, anti-Zionism is antisemitism – plain and simple.”

France’s policy on Gaza and Palestinian statehood

France has taken a distinct stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, often positioning itself as a mediator advocating for a two-state solution. President Macron has been vocal about the need to address Palestinian civilian casualties in the Gaza war, which began on 7 October following Hamas’s attack on Israel. France has called for a ceasefire and emphasized the importance of protecting civilians, with Macron criticising Israel’s military operations for their disproportionate impact on Gaza’s population.

Macron has also expressed support for recognising a Palestinian state as part of a negotiated peace process. In May 2024, France joined several European nations, including Spain, Ireland, and Norway, in signalling openness to recognizing Palestine, though it has not yet formally done so. This stance aligns with France’s broader foreign policy, which emphasizes multilateralism and international law, including adherence to United Nations resolutions that criticize Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank as illegal.

France has consistently condemned Israel’s settlement activities, including the recent July 2025 announcement by the Israeli government to expand settlements in the West Bank, which France described as a violation of international law that undermines prospects for peace.

U.S. policy contrasts with France

In contrast, the United States, under President Donald Trump’s administration, has maintained unwavering support for Israel, particularly under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership. The Trump administration has prioritized strengthening U.S.-Israel relations, often downplaying criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank.

The U.S. has not endorsed the recognition of a Palestinian state, instead emphasising direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority without preconditions. This approach aligns with Trump’s previous policies, such as the 2020 Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states without addressing Palestinian statehood.

Regarding the Gaza war, the U.S. has provided significant military and diplomatic support to Israel, including vetoing UN Security Council resolutions calling for an immediate ceasefire. While the Biden administration (2021–2025) had expressed concern over civilian casualties, the second Trump administration, which began in January 2025, has adopted a more unequivocal pro-Israel stance.

On the issue of West Bank settlements, the U.S. has historically been less critical than France, with Trump previously declaring in 2019 that Israeli settlements do not violate international law – a position that diverged sharply from the European consensus and UN resolutions.

The U.S. has not publicly condemned Israel’s July 2025 settlement expansion plan, further highlighting the divergence from France’s position.

Israeli settlement plans and international reactions

Israel’s announcement in July 2025 to expand settlements in the West Bank, including the approval of thousands of new housing units, has drawn widespread international criticism, particularly from France and other European nations. The plan, one of the largest in recent years, is seen as consolidating Israel’s control over occupied territories, complicating the prospects for a contiguous Palestinian state.

France’s foreign ministry issued a statement condemning the move, calling it “a grave obstacle to peace” and urging Israel to reverse the decision. The European Union echoed this sentiment, while the U.S. response has been notably muted, reflecting its broader alignment with Israel’s security priorities.

Diplomatic fallout

Kushner’s letter follows another sent to Macron by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this week, in which Netanyahu accused Macron of contributing to antisemitism by calling for international recognition of a Palestinian state, according to the Jerusalem Post.

Both letters underscore a perception among some Israeli and American officials that France’s criticism of Israel’s policies equates to tacit support for anti-Zionist sentiments, which they argue fuels antisemitism. Kushner’s claim that “anti-Zionism is antisemitism” reflects a contentious debate, as critics argue it conflates legitimate criticism of Israeli policies with hatred toward Jews.

France, however, has rejected these accusations. “France has learned of the allegations made by the United States Ambassador, Mr. Charles Kushner, who, in a letter to the President of the Republic, expressed his concern about the rise in antisemitic acts in France and noted the alleged lack of sufficient action by the French authorities to combat them,” the French foreign ministry said.

“The Ambassador’s allegations are unacceptable,” the ministry added, noting that Kushner would be summoned on Monday to discuss the matter.

Macron has publicly condemned antisemitism as antithetical to French values and has taken steps to address rising incidents linked to the Gaza conflict. Since October 2023, France has reported a surge in antisemitic acts, including vandalism of Jewish institutions and harassment, prompting the government to increase security around synagogues, Jewish schools, and cultural centers.

In 2024, France passed legislation strengthening penalties for hate crimes, and Macron has repeatedly emphasized France’s commitment to combating all forms of discrimination.

Personal context

Kushner’s letter carries additional weight due to his personal and political connections. His son, Jared Kushner, is married to Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump, who converted to Judaism before their 2009 wedding. The couple’s three children are being raised Jewish, and Jared Kushner played a prominent role in shaping Trump’s Middle East policy during his first term, including brokering the Abraham Accords.

As France continues to advocate for a balanced approach to the conflict, and the U.S. doubles down on its alliance with Israel, such diplomatic spats risk become more frequent, further complicating transatlantic relations.

With Reuters, Le Monde, France 24, Jerusalem Post, edited by g.g.

Caption: United States Ambassador to France Charles Kushner (L) and his wife Seryl Stadtmauer Kushner (R) leave the Elysee palace before the arrival of Austrian Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker at Elysee Palace in Paris, France, 18 July 2025. EPA/MOHAMMED BADRA

Updated: August 25, 2025 - 06:10