France accused Israel on Thursday of damaging bilateral relations after Israeli security forces entered a French-administered holy site in Jerusalem and briefly detained two French officials with diplomatic status.
The incident took place just before French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot was scheduled to visit the Church of the Pater Noster compound on the Mount of Olives, one of four sites in Jerusalem under France’s administration. French officials had previously informed Israeli security not to enter the compound before Barrot’s arrival.
However, Israeli security forces entered the site, prompting Barrot to refuse entry as long as they remained present. Two French security officials, who were from the consulate and held diplomatic status, were briefly detained. French sources confirmed that Israel was aware of their diplomatic status.
Israel’s foreign ministry stated that a disagreement occurred between Israeli security forces and the French guards, who were released immediately after identifying themselves as diplomats.
The dispute adds tension to already strained diplomatic relations amid Israeli military actions in Gaza and Lebanon.
“This violation of the integrity of a site under French responsibility risks damaging the ties I came to strengthen with Israel at a time when peace in the region is urgently needed,” Barrot, visibly upset, told reporters outside the site.
The Israeli foreign ministry noted that all visiting foreign leaders are accompanied by Israeli security, a requirement communicated in advance to the French Embassy.
A French diplomatic source accused Israeli authorities of spreading “false allegations” and indicated that the matter is not yet resolved. France’s foreign ministry confirmed that it will summon Israel’s ambassador to Paris in the coming days.
