Paris: France has summoned US Ambassador Charles Kushner after he accused the French government of failing to curb anti-Semitic violence. The diplomatic move came in response to Kushner’s open letter to President Emmanuel Macron, published in The Wall Street Journal on Sunday, in which he linked France’s stance on Israel and its push to recognise a Palestinian state with rising threats to Jewish communities.

Kushner’s Allegations

In his letter, Kushner argued that France’s criticism of Israel and its gestures toward Palestinian statehood were emboldening extremists. “Public statements haranguing Israel and gestures toward recognition of a Palestinian state embolden extremists, fuel violence, and endanger Jewish life in France. In today’s world, anti-Zionism is anti-Semitism – plain and simple,” he wrote.

France’s Strong Response

The French Foreign Ministry quickly rejected the claims. “France firmly refutes these latest allegations. The allegations from the ambassador are unacceptable,” a spokesperson said. The ministry insisted that France is “fully committed” to fighting anti-Semitism and added that Kushner’s remarks violated diplomatic norms by interfering in domestic matters.

The statement further noted that such comments undermined the trust expected between allies.

US Backs Its Envoy

The US State Department later stood by Kushner. Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said, “Ambassador Kushner is our US government representative in France and is doing a great job advancing our national interests in that role.”

Wider Context

The dispute comes at a sensitive time, as France and several other European nations have announced intentions to recognise a Palestinian state while maintaining ties with Israel. The move has drawn strong criticism from both Israel and Washington.

Kushner’s letter echoed similar remarks made last week by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who also accused France of enabling anti-Semitism through its stance. Macron’s office dismissed Netanyahu’s allegations as “abject” and “erroneous,” stressing that France will always protect its Jewish citizens.

Charles Kushner, father of Jared Kushner—Donald Trump’s son-in-law and former White House adviser—was pardoned by Trump in 2020 after a conviction for tax evasion and witness tampering in 2005.

Rights groups have long argued that accusations of anti-Semitism are often used by Israel and its allies to deflect criticism of its actions in Gaza and the occupied territories.

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