CNN —
France has expressed strong condemnation over the shocking detention of two of its consulate staff members, following an incident in which Israeli police forcibly entered a French-administered holy site located in Jerusalem. This incident represents the latest chapter in a series of escalating diplomatic tensions that have caused a significant downturn in relations between the two nations.
Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot of France was scheduled to inspect the Eleona church compound, an important religious site that includes a historic sanctuary, on the day the incident unfolded.
According to France’s Foreign Ministry, armed Israeli officers entered the sacred site without proper authorization. In their actions, they arrested the two personnel, asserting that the individuals’ diplomatic status should have afforded them protection, subsequently leading Barrot to cancel his visit.
The detained consular employees were eventually released after intervention from Minister Barrot, as stated by the Foreign Ministry in France.
In a response from Israel’s Foreign Ministry, the incident was described as an argument that ensued between Israeli security forces and two French security personnel, who allegedly refused to disclose their identities during the altercation.
The ministry further clarified that the two French staff members were detained but released shortly thereafter upon verification of their diplomatic status, emphasizing that the Israeli security officers were present as part of the foreign minister’s official activities.
Disturbing footage obtained by CNN captured two armed police officers attempting to apprehend one of the detained French individuals as he repeatedly protested, “Don’t touch me,” before being forcibly subdued and taken away in a police vehicle.
The Eleona church compound, located on the historic Mount of Olives, is one of four French-administered properties in Jerusalem, collectively known as the French national domain in the Holy Land, highlighting France’s longstanding commitment to the region.
France’s Foreign Ministry announced plans to summon the Israeli ambassador for discussions in the coming days, signaling a serious escalation in diplomatic discourse.
“This violation of the integrity of a site under French responsibility risks weakening the ties I had come to nurture with Israel at a time when we all need to move forward in the region on the path to peace,” Barrot expressed to the media while present in Jerusalem.
As part of his diplomatic mission, Barrot was engaged in conversations with Israeli officials on the same Thursday, passionately advocating for diplomatic resolutions to bring an end to the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, amid urgent international appeals for a ceasefire given the significant civilian casualties reported over the past year.
This visit takes place against a backdrop of rising tensions between France and Israel, exacerbated by French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent calls to halt arms sales to Israel for use in the conflict in Gaza.
The deteriorating relations between Israel and France, as well as broader European nations, have intensified, particularly in light of Israel’s military actions against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon—a move perceived as an escalation in regional hostilities.
Various European countries, France included, have voiced their outrage regarding recent Israeli military strikes that targeted positions of the United Nations peacekeeping mission, known as UNIFIL, located in southern Lebanon. Although Israel denies any intention of harming UN personnel, they accuse Hezbollah of utilizing UNIFIL members as human shields during their operations.
In a striking denunciation last month, Macron publicly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, alleging that he was “sowing barbarism” during remarks made at a conference convened by the French leader in support of the Lebanese populace and armed forces.
In a controversial move, the French government previously attempted to ban Israeli weapon manufacturers from participating in an upcoming trade fair in Paris—a decision that was later overruled by a French court, indicating the contentious nature of France’s stance towards Israel.
Tensions have not been isolated to this incident alone; there have been several confrontations between French officials and Israeli security forces at various French-administered sites in Jerusalem over recent years.
Notably, during a visit in 2020, Macron himself found himself embroiled in a confrontation with Israeli security personnel at the Church of Saint Anne, an area under French control, where he was observed vociferously expressing his discontent with their actions by exclaiming, “I don’t like what you did in front of me.”
**Interview with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot: Addressing Recent Tensions with Israel**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us, Minister Barrot. Let’s start with the recent incident involving French consulate staff in Jerusalem. How do you assess the situation that unfolded?
**Jean-Noel Barrot**: Thank you for having me. The incident is deeply troubling. The unauthorized entry of Israeli police into a French-administered sacred site and the subsequent detention of our staff is unacceptable. Diplomatic personnel should be protected according to international law, and this violation gravely disrupts our relationship.
**Interviewer**: France is known for its commitment to the status quo in Jerusalem’s holy sites. How does this incident impact that commitment?
**Jean-Noel Barrot**: This incident undermines the delicate balance we have worked to maintain in Jerusalem. The Eleona church compound is of great historical and religious significance. Such actions threaten not only our diplomatic ties but also the peace we seek to foster in the region.
**Interviewer**: You cancelled your visit amid the tensions. What were the discussions that you planned to have during that visit?
**Jean-Noel Barrot**: My discussions were geared toward promoting dialogue and addressing the ongoing conflicts affecting both Gaza and Lebanon. It was vital for us to advocate for peaceful resolutions and bolster international efforts for a ceasefire, given the civilian toll in these areas.
**Interviewer**: Following the incident, what steps is France planning to take in response?
**Jean-Noel Barrot**: France’s Foreign Ministry plans to summon the Israeli ambassador for urgent discussions. We need clarity on this situation, and we must ensure that such violations do not occur again. We are committed to protecting our diplomatic staff and the integrity of the sites under our responsibility.
**Interviewer**: Many observers note that tensions between Israel and France have escalated recently, particularly after President Macron’s comments on arms sales. How do you see this shaping future relations?
**Jean-Noel Barrot**: It is true that relations are strained. However, we believe that constructive engagement and open communication are crucial. As we face complex challenges in the region, it is imperative that we remain committed to diplomacy, dialogue, and, above all, the pursuit of peace.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Minister Barrot, for your insights during this challenging time.
**Jean-Noel Barrot**: Thank you for having me. It is crucial that we remain vigilant and seek pathways to peace.
