France summons US envoy Charles Kushner over letter on antisemitism

France summoned US envoy Charles Kushner after his letter to President Macron alleged the country failed to combat antisemitism. Paris rejected the claims as “unacceptable” interference, stressing it is fully mobilised against antisemitic acts. The row follows Israeli PM Netanyahu’s criticism of France’s plan to recognise Palestine at the UN.

France has summoned US ambassador Charles Kushner, a relative of President Donald Trump, after he wrote a letter to President Emmanuel Macron alleging that France was not doing enough to tackle rising antisemitism. The French foreign ministry called the remarks “unacceptable” and a violation of international norms.

Paris insisted it has been “fully mobilised” against antisemitic acts since the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, stressing that such incidents are “intolerable.” Officials said Kushner’s comments undermined trust between allies and interfered in France’s internal affairs.

The move follows recent tensions sparked by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s letter accusing Macron of fueling antisemitism after announcing plans to recognise Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September. French officials rejected Netanyahu’s claims, affirming their stance against antisemitism and commitment to Middle East peace.

Also Read: Oregon’s Air Quality Declines as Wildfire Smoke Spreads Across Region

Kushner, who is the father of Jared Kushner, Ivanka Trump’s husband, was summoned to the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs in Paris, a formal diplomatic step signalling France’s strong displeasure.