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A diplomatic incident broke out between France and Israel after the arrest of two French gendarmes by Israeli police at a French property in Jerusalem, a church located in the Old City. This event provoked a strong reaction from France, which considers this intervention to be an attack on its sovereignty. This incident occurs in a historic context of tensions between the two countries
Relations between French President Emmanuel Macron and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have experienced a series of tensions in recent weeks, marked by differences on diplomatic and military issues.
During an international conference on Lebanon organized on October 24, 2024 at the Élysée, French President Emmanuel Macron declared: “I am not sure that we defend a civilization by sowing barbarism ourselves. » This remark followed the remarks of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had justified Israeli military actions by calling them a “war of civilization against barbarism”. Macron’s statements sparked critical reactions, notably from the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions of France (CRIF), which deemed them “outrageous” and “unacceptable.”
Call to stop arms deliveries to Israel
At the beginning of October 2024, Emmanuel Macron called for an end to arms deliveries to Israel used in the conflict in Gaza, provoking a virulent reaction from Benjamin Netanyahu, who described these remarks as “shameful”. This divergence takes place in a context of disagreements over the management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Israel’s military actions in Lebanon and Gaza.
Israeli companies banned from participating in Euronaval exhibition
Subsequently, France banned the participation of Israeli companies in the Euronaval naval exhibition in Paris, a decision perceived by Israel as hostile and discriminatory. This measure was strongly criticized by the Israeli government, which described it as a “disgrace” for France.
Tense exchanges on the creation of the State of Israel
Tensions escalated when comments attributed to Emmanuel Macron suggested that “Mr. Netanyahu must not forget that his country was created by a UN decision.” In response, Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that the creation of Israel was the result of the 1948 “war of independence”, not a UN decision.
Reactions within the Jewish community of France
The Representative Council of Jewish Institutions of France (CRIF) expressed its indignation following the statements attributed to Emmanuel Macron concerning the founding of the State of Israel, considering that these remarks were inappropriate.
These incidents reflect a deterioration in diplomatic relations between France and Israel, exacerbated by differences over political and military approaches in the Middle East.
France owns several religious and cultural properties in Jerusalem, including churches and educational institutions. These properties are protected by a special status, and France considers their administration as falling within its sovereignty, under long-standing international agreements. Among these sites are the Basilica of Saint Anne in the Old City, the convent of the Sisters of Sion, and other religious and cultural buildings. These sites generally benefit from the protection of the religious “status quo”, a tradition which guarantees a certain autonomy to foreign properties in Jerusalem.
France claims a right to protect and manage these properties, a status that the State of Israel respects in principle, but which can sometimes be the subject of tensions, particularly in the context of friction around sovereignty in Jerusalem. . This city is at the heart of Israel’s sovereignty claims, but France, like most countries, considers East Jerusalem to be occupied territory, a position that complicates cooperation around French sites.
Previous incidents during French presidential visits
The current incident recalls the tensions that arose during official visits by French presidents to Israel:
- Jacques Chirac’s visit in 1996: During his visit to the Old City of Jerusalem, Jacques Chirac reacted strongly to the omnipresence of Israeli security around him, which he considered an attack on his freedom of movement. Angered by the insistence of Israeli agents on following him closely, Chirac threatened to get back on his plane and leave Israel, before demanding that French agents be allowed to manage his security. This incident marked a turning point in the French perception of the question of sovereignty in Jerusalem.
- Emmanuel Macron’s visit in 2020: During his visit to Sainte-Anne church, Emmanuel Macron also had an altercation with Israeli security forces. Macron expressed his dissatisfaction with the presence of Israeli agents in the building, recalling that this place was “a French place” and asking Israeli agents to respect French sovereignty on the premises. This tense exchange recalled the 1996 incident and once again underlined France’s sensitivity regarding its assets in Jerusalem.
Status of French property in Jerusalem and sovereignty issues
French-owned properties in Jerusalem are mainly churches, monasteries and educational centers, some of which date from the 19th century, when European powers sought to establish a presence in the Middle East. These properties enjoy an internationally recognized status, conferred by the “status quo” which governs the holy places in the Holy Land. However, this status is not always respected by the Israeli authorities, especially in times of tension or visits by personalities.
French properties in East Jerusalem are often seen by Israeli authorities as symbols of European influence and contestation of Israeli sovereignty over the city, which regularly leads to diplomatic tensions. France, for its part, considers these places as an integral part of its cultural and religious heritage, and their protection as a question of sovereignty and respect for international law.
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