After Israeli authorities temporarily held two gendarmes at a French-run holy site in Jerusalem, France accused Israel of deteriorating diplomatic ties. The event took place shortly before French foreign minister Minister Jean-Noel Barrot was scheduled to visit the Church of the Pater Noster on the Mount of Olives, one of four locations managed by French in Jerusalem.
France oversees a collection of holy sites in Jerusalem, including The Church of the Pater Noster, and Barrot’s visit aimed to strengthen diplomatic ties. French officials had informed Israeli security in advance that no Israeli forces should enter the premises while Barrot was there. Despite this, tensions flared when Israeli police detained two French gendarmes who were in diplomatic outfits instead of their uniforms.
Barrot decided not to go into the church while the Israeli police were there. Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that officials cleared the diplomatic visit beforehand, and the police claimed that the French gendarmes hindered the operation and did not identify themselves. The authorities released them as soon as they disclosed their diplomatic status.
This incident has added strain to an already tense relationship between France and Israel, especially given the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. Barrot expressed his anger at the situation, saying the violation of a French-administered site could harm the diplomatic ties both countries had worked to build. He said that such incidents risk derailing efforts for peace in the region.
Tensions between France and Israel have been growing in recent months, particularly after French President Emmanuel Macron called for an end to arms sales to Israel amidst its military actions in Gaza. Although France remains committed to Israeli security, this latest incident, as France accused Israel, added complexity to their relationship.
