The leadership of American Jewry rejected a request to meet with French Minster for Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot, protesting France’s policy regarding Israel. Among the organizations signing the statement were the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), the American Jewish Committee (AJC), AIPAC, B’nai B’rith International, the UJA-Federation of New York, and the World Jewish Congress (WJC).
“The policy was already finalized – without consultation”
In their statement, Jewish leaders wrote: “We are deeply concerned that France’s approach harms the chances for a mutually agreed-upon future for Israelis and Palestinians. It is disappointing that we were invited to discuss a policy that seems to have already been finalized, rather than being consulted beforehand as committed partners in achieving sustainable peace.”
They further stated: “By taking such a unilateral step, France not only encourages extremists, but also endangers the security of the Jewish people worldwide, alienates moderate voices, and undermines the credibility of French diplomacy in the region.”
“France is rewarding Hamas”
The organizations noted that three months ago, President Macron had set conditions for recognizing a Palestinian state – including the release of hostages and Hamas’s surrender – conditions that, obviously, have not been met.
“By abandoning these conditions, France is rewarding Hamas for its ongoing brutality and sending a dangerous message that legitimizes terror, while dishonoring the victims of October 7.”
The organizations praised “the Trump administration’s firm opposition to the French proposal” and called on President Macron “to reconsider the decision ahead of the UN General Assembly’s September session and to hold meaningful consultations with stakeholders committed to a sustainable and just peace.”
“French Jews, this is your home”
Meanwhile, Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer addressed French Jewry following Macron’s declaration of his intent to recognize a Palestinian state, stressing that Israel considers them an inseparable part of the Jewish people. Sofer criticized the French government, saying it “continues to back terror” and “chooses to grant terror a prize” with this decision.
He added that since October 7, there has been a significant rise in immigration from France despite the war, and noted that Israel is expanding special absorption programs to ease the transition and integration of French Jews into the country. “French Jews, this is your home – the State of Israel,” Sofer concluded.
Likud MK Dan Illouz called on Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar to take strong measures against France, including closing the French consulate in Jerusalem, which he said “functions in practice as an embassy to the Palestinian Authority.” Illouz called Macron’s declaration “a grave step and a reward for terror” and urged Israel to respond by applying full sovereignty over Judea, Samaria, and the Jordan Valley. “We must respond with clear sovereign steps instead of trying to appease the international community,” he said.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid also criticized Macron’s declaration, calling it “a moral mistake and severe diplomatic damage.” According to Lapid, “The Palestinians should not be rewarded for October 7 or for their support of Hamas.”
