THE French Ministry of Foreign Affairs will summon the Israeli ambassador over an incident involving French gendarmerie or law enforcement employees who were detained by Israeli police in the courtyard of a French church in Jerusalem on Thursday (7/11).
Earlier the same day, two Israeli police officers without permission entered a French-owned church compound in Jerusalem. The church is scheduled to be visited by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot.
The Zionist regime police detained two employees of the French Consulate General, even though they had diplomatic status. The move was condemned by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“As the Minister (Barrot) has stated, these actions are unacceptable. France strongly condemns these actions with particular emphasis on the fact that they occur in a context where France is making every effort to de-escalate violence in the region,” the French Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
“The Israeli ambassador to France will be summoned to the ministry in the coming days,” the ministry statement continued.
However, the French officers were soon released. In light of the incident, Barrot canceled his visit to the church.
As reported, relations between Israel and France became tense after French President Emmanuel Macron said arms shipments to Israel must stop.
Macron declared the move a priority to end tensions in the region.
Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu later criticized Macron and other Western leaders for calling for an arms embargo. He said they should be ashamed of themselves. (Ant/Z-2)
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**Interview with Dr. Clara Moreau, Middle East Analyst at the European Institute for International Relations**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Moreau. Let’s dive right into it. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has decided to summon the Israeli ambassador over the recent incident in Jerusalem involving French law enforcement personnel. What are the implications of this diplomatic action?
**Dr. Moreau:** Thank you for having me. This incident reflects escalating tensions between France and Israel, particularly regarding diplomatic protocols. Summoning the ambassador is a clear signal of France’s displeasure and its refusal to tolerate breaches of diplomatic immunity. It also underlines the sensitivity surrounding religious sites in Jerusalem, especially when they involve foreign nationals.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the sensitivity of religious sites. Can you elaborate on the significance of this French-owned church in the context of international relations?
**Dr. Moreau:** Absolutely. The church is not just a place of worship; it also serves as a symbol of French heritage in the region and embodies France’s historical ties to Christianity in the Holy Land. When Israeli police entered the premises without permission, it not only undermined the sanctity of the site but also France’s role as a protector of certain Christian properties in Jerusalem. This can escalate into broader tensions if not managed carefully.
**Interviewer:** What do you think the response from the Israeli government will be, considering the circumstances?
**Dr. Moreau:** It will be interesting to watch how Israel reacts. They might seek to downplay the incident to avoid further diplomatic fallout, especially since it comes at a sensitive time in foreign relations. Alternatively, they may defend their actions as necessary for security, given the complex situation in Jerusalem. However, they must be careful not to further irritate their allies, especially European nations.
**Interviewer:** And how might this incident impact future diplomatic interactions between France and Israel?
**Dr. Moreau:** This could lead to a cooling of relations if not addressed properly. France has traditionally been viewed as a key ally, but incidents like this can sow discord. It’s crucial for both countries to engage in dialogue to prevent an escalation of tensions. However, the broader context of regional stability will also significantly influence how both nations navigate this situation moving forward.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Moreau, for your insights. It’s certainly a complex situation that will be worth watching in the coming days.
**Dr. Moreau:** Thank you for having me. Looking forward to seeing how this develops.