France has strongly condemned the recent incident where Israeli police detained two consulate members at a French-owned holy site in Jerusalem. The French Foreign Ministry expressed outrage after armed Israeli officers entered the Eleona church compound without authorization, leading to the arrest of the consulate staff members who had diplomatic status. The incident occurred as France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot was scheduled to visit the sanctuary within the compound.
Following the intervention of the French minister, the detained employees were released. However, the unauthorized entry and detention of the consulate staff prompted France to summon Israel's ambassador in protest. The Eleona church compound, part of the French national domain in the Holy Land, is one of four French-owned sites in Jerusalem administered by French authorities.
Barrot, who was in Jerusalem for diplomatic discussions, emphasized the need for peaceful solutions to the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. Tensions between France and Israel have escalated in recent times, with French President Emmanuel Macron calling for an end to arms exports to Israel for Gaza and criticizing Israeli actions in Lebanon.
Relations between the two countries have further strained over Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon against the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah. European nations, including France, have expressed concern over Israeli strikes near United Nations peacekeeping mission posts in southern Lebanon, although Israel has denied targeting UN personnel.
Incidents between French officials and Israeli security officers at French-administered sites in Jerusalem have occurred in the past, highlighting the ongoing diplomatic challenges between the two nations. The recent altercation at the Eleona church compound adds to the complex relationship between France and Israel, as both countries navigate regional conflicts and international pressures for peace.
