Fri Nov 08 08:57:57 UTC 2024: ## Diplomatic Incident Strains French-Israeli Relations
**Jerusalem, Israel -** Tensions between France and Israel escalated on Thursday after Israeli forces briefly detained two French gendarmes with diplomatic status at a holy site under French administration in occupied East Jerusalem. The incident occurred during a visit by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, further straining already fragile relations between the two countries.
The incident took place at the compound of the Church of the Pater Noster on the Mount of Olives, one of four sites in Jerusalem under French administration. French diplomatic sources reported that Israeli security had been informed not to enter the site before Barrot’s arrival, but the forces entered nonetheless and detained the two gendarmes.
While Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed that security protocols were “clarified” in advance, French sources maintained that the gendarmes identified themselves as diplomats and were detained despite this. The ministry further stated that the gendarmes were released immediately after identifying themselves, but footage from the incident shows Israeli police surrounding and physically pushing one of the gendarmes to the ground.
Barrot, visibly angered by the incident, refused to enter the compound and condemned the actions of the Israeli forces. He stated that this violation of a site under French responsibility jeopardizes the progress of peace in the region.
This incident comes at a time of heightened tension between France and Israel. Diplomatic relations have soured since President Emmanuel Macron called for an end to supplying Israel with offensive weapons used in Gaza and banned Israeli weapons firms from a trade fair in Paris.
France has repeatedly stated its commitment to Israel’s security, but its unease with Israel’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon continues to fuel the diplomatic rift. Barrot’s trip aimed to encourage Israel to engage in diplomatic efforts to end the conflicts in the region, but the incident has cast a shadow over his mission.
The French Ministry for Foreign Affairs has summoned Israel’s ambassador to France in the coming days to discuss the incident. This is not the first time that tensions have flared over France’s historical holdings in Jerusalem. Similar incidents have occurred in the past, involving the Church of St Anne, another site under French administration.
The latest incident highlights the deep-seated tensions between France and Israel over their respective roles in the Middle East and raises serious concerns about the future of their diplomatic relationship.
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