Growing Diplomatic Rift as Israel Slams Western Allies Over Palestine Recognition
Israel has escalated tensions with several key Western allies ahead of their planned recognition of a Palestinian state. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired off sharply worded letters to French President Emmanuel Macron and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, accusing both nations of stoking antisemitism with their decisions.
Netanyahu’s Blunt Letters to Macron and Albanese
In a letter to Macron, Netanyahu warned that France’s move to recognize Palestine "pours fuel on this antisemitic fire." He cited recent incidents of antisemitism in France and linked them to the broader geopolitical stance on Gaza and Palestinian autonomy.
But Macron’s office was quick to strike back, calling the assertion “abject” and “erroneous,” insisting that France "protects and will always protect its Jewish citizens" and warning that Netanyahu’s letter “will not go unanswered.” The Elysee emphasized that such sensitive times demand responsibility, not manipulation.
Netanyahu delivered a similarly tense missive to Australia’s Prime Minister, calling him “a weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia’s Jews.” This followed Australia’s cancellation of a visa for a far-right Israeli lawmaker. Israel retaliated by revoking residence permits for Australian officials in the Palestinian Authority and promised increased scrutiny for all future visa requests.
Growing Tensions and Ally Pushback
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France’s reaction was measured but firm, rejecting Netanyahu’s claims and affirming its protection of Jewish citizens.
Australia stood its ground, with Albanese brushing off the criticism and emphasizing respectful diplomacy.
Jewish leaders in Australia condemned Netanyahu’s rhetoric as inflammatory and damaging to communal harmony.
Broader Diplomatic Fallout
These disputes reflect a growing divide between Israel and its traditional allies, particularly over its Gaza conflict. Multiple countries—including Canada, the UK, and Portugal—are now set to recognize Palestinian statehood next month, aligning with initiatives to advance a two-state solution.