US Ambassador to France Charles Kushner Accuses French Government of Insufficient Action Against Antisemitism, Sparking Diplomatic Row

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called for a meeting with the U.S. Ambassador, Charles Kushner, following his letter criticizing the French government for insufficient action against antisemitism.

France categorically denounced the accusations in Kushner’s letter, asserting that they undermine the quality of the transatlantic relationship between the two nations. In a statement, the ministry expressed concern over the increase in antisemitic incidents in France since October 7, 2023, and reaffirmed its commitment to addressing this issue.

Kushner will be summoned to the ministry’s headquarters in Paris on Monday, according to the statement. The White House and the U.S. State Department have been contacted for comment by CNN.

A copy of Kushner’s letter, shared with CNN by the U.S. Embassy, reveals his deep concern regarding the situation in France. He attributed a surge in antisemitic acts to Hamas’s violent actions on October 7, 2023, and highlighted pro-Hamas extremists’ and radical activists’ efforts to instigate intimidation and violence across Europe.

The letter, dated August 25, was addressed to French President Emmanuel Macron. Kushner urged Macron to enforce hate crime laws rigorously and take additional measures to safeguard the Jewish community in France. He pointed out that antisemitic incidents are commonplace in France, with Jews frequently assaulted on the streets, synagogues defaced, schools targeted, and Jewish-owned businesses vandalized.

Kushner also responded to France’s plan, along with several other Western nations, to recognize a state of Palestine in September. He argued that such public statements and gestures towards Palestinian recognition embolden extremists, fuel violence, and pose threats to Jewish life in France.

He advised Macron to refrain from actions that legitimize Hamas and its allies, citing various measures taken by U.S. President Donald Trump, including enforcing civil rights protections for Jewish students on university campuses and deporting Hamas sympathizers.

Last week, Israel launched a series of diplomatic attacks against several Western allies as they prepared to recognize a Palestinian state in September. This included a strongly worded letter from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Macron, accusing France of rewarding Hamas terror.

France maintains that the move is intended to revive the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and bring peace to the region. However, Israel and the U.S. have criticized the initiative, claiming it rewards Hamas terror and will hinder peace efforts.

Macron has stated that France’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state aligns with its “historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.” Australia and France are among the latest Western nations to announce plans for recognition, joining over 140 countries that already recognize Palestinian statehood. Canada and Portugal have also expressed similar intentions, with these nations set to join the initiative next month. The United Kingdom has conditionally pledged to recognize a Palestinian state if Israel fails to meet certain criteria, including agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza.