Armed Israeli police entered a French-owned church compound in Jerusalem, detaining two consulate employees and causing the French foreign minister to cancel his visit. This incident comes amid strained relations between Israel and France following French President Emmanuel Macron's call for an arms embargo on Israel.
The French Foreign Ministry plans to summon the Israeli ambassador in protest. Israeli security forces reportedly intruded on the Church of the Pater Noster's courtyard, leading to the detainment of the French consulate staff despite their diplomatic status. They were released after the French foreign minister intervened.
During his visit to Jerusalem, Minister Barrot urged for a cease-fire in Gaza and a diplomatic solution in Lebanon. The French Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the actions of Israeli security forces, emphasizing its efforts to de-escalate violence in the region.
Israeli police claimed the incident was a misunderstanding, stating that the church workers had refused entry to Israeli security guards accompanying Minister Barrot. The police released the employees once their diplomatic status was confirmed.
Such altercations between French officials and Israeli security have occurred in the past, highlighting the symbolic significance of Jerusalem as a contested territory. Israel considers Jerusalem its capital, while Palestinians seek it as their future capital.
President Macron has expressed support for Israel's right to self-defense but has called for measures to reduce civilian casualties in Israeli military campaigns. Minister Barrot is set to visit the Israeli-occupied West Bank for talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
