France has summoned U.S. Ambassador Charles Kushner after he accused the French government of failing to combat anti-Semitism and of fueling extremism with its stance on Israel and Palestine. The French Foreign Ministry called his allegations “unacceptable,” stating they crossed diplomatic boundaries.
In an open letter published in The Wall Street Journal, Kushner accused Paris of emboldening extremists by criticizing Israel and moving toward recognizing a Palestinian state. He claimed that France’s policies endangered Jewish life in the country. French officials quickly responded, with the Foreign Ministry spokesperson stating that Kushner’s remarks violated the principle of non-interference in domestic affairs. The ministry’s statement emphasized that “such allegations are unacceptable and do not live up to the quality of the transatlantic relationship between France and the United States.”
Despite the backlash, the U.S. State Department defended its envoy, with spokesperson Tommy Pigott saying Kushner “is doing a great job advancing our national interests in France.” This dispute highlights the widening transatlantic divisions over the Gaza war and the recognition of Palestinian statehood. Rights advocates argue that accusations of anti-Semitism are often used to silence criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, where millions of Palestinians face displacement, hunger, and daily bombings.
