In a recent interview, Christophe Lemoine, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, addressed strong criticisms from israeli authorities concerning France’s role in the rise of anti-Semitism and its diplomatic initiatives related to Palestine. The exchange occurred following remarks from Israel’s ambassador to Washington.

When asked about the accusations,Christophe Lemoine responded,”These are very violent words,but they are mainly outrageous words. Regarding the fight against anti-Semitism, I think that it has always been clear from the French authorities that there was a final and firm conviction. Condemnation of anti-Semitic acts in France, condemnation of anti-Semitic acts abroad. France very firmly sentenced the assassination yesterday of two Israeli diplomats.France had condemned the massacres which took place on October 7 very firmly.”

The interviewer pressed further, questioning whether France’s stance, notably its work towards potential recognition of a State of Palestine, was a point of contention.”But you see the music that rises from Israel on… France is very point in criticism, France threatens with sanctions, France – and this is what seems to crystallize dissatisfaction – work for a possible recognition of a State of Palestine.Besides, do this initiative, do you plan to break it?”

Lemoine defended France’s approach, stating, “But France is not critical; France is constructive on this subject. france has been trying since the start of pushing for a diplomatic solution, for the resolution of the conflict. There is no way by a security response. The way to find a solution to the problem…” he emphasized that recognizing a State of Palestine is viewed as a political solution, adding, “This is a political response. The answer to the question is a political solution. So there is no criticism in French words; There is simply a constructive attitude. France has always been open to help find a solution, and this solution must be political anyway.”

Humanitarian Aid and Shifting Tones

“Humanitarian aid in Gaza … Access must be free and massive, once again. There is a humanitarian situation which is absolutely dramatic.”

The conversation shifted to the perceived change in France’s tone, especially following instances where Israel allegedly impeded humanitarian aid to Gaza. The interviewer asked, “But still the tone of France seems to have changed, especially as the beginning of March, the moment when Israel stopped, prevented, began to prevent the arrival of humanitarian aid in Gaza. You still confirm us that France has raised the tone a little?”

lemoine acknowledged the situation, explaining, “The situation on the ground is characterized by two things. There is an escalation from the Israeli army of operations in Gaza. And that was seen very clearly. And secondly,there is a subject that is absolutely clear,it is the entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Humanitarian aid must absolutely be able to return.The situation of civilian populations is abominable and Israel must let in humanitarian aid. So these two points actually justified the latest declarations,notably of the President of the Republic.”

Regarding the amount of aid reaching Gaza, Lemoine stated that while some progress had been made, it remained insufficient. “On this subject, a few dozen trucks that have arrived in recent days, 68 trucks unloaded yesterday, including flour. Is it … you say: ‘France says it’s good, but it’s insufficient’?” He affirmed, “But it’s insufficient. Humanitarian aid in Gaza …Access must be free and massive, once again. There is a humanitarian situation which is absolutely dramatic. The trucks must be able to enter the Gaza Strip.”

Diplomatic Tensions and Potential Sanctions

The discussion addressed the broader diplomatic climate between France and Israel, with the interviewer inquiring about the possibility of a diplomatic crisis. “There is still what is around Gaza, of course, of the recognition of a Palestinian state, the words that are exchanged.We are in a situation… France is in a situation of diplomatic crisis vis-à-vis Israel or are they simply temporary tensions?”

Lemoine conceded the complexity of the situation, reiterating France’s commitment to constructive engagement.”The situation,as you describe,is quite complex and tense in the field. again, France has always been ready to help, to be constructive on this issue and I think it will continue to be.”

The potential for sanctions was also raised, with the interviewer asking, “you mention, France evokes the possibility of sanctions. What kind would these sanctions against Israel be? There have already been sanctions against the settlers, as we know.”

Lemoine confirmed that measures were under consideration, stating, “Yes, the President of the Republic said at the start of the week that there would be measures that could be taken. These are measures that are being studied. There are different measures, moreover, which can be taken. There are the sanctions of course. But there are also other diplomatic measures, of the type of those announced kaja kallas, the high representative, Tuesday in Brussels to revise the association agreement between the European Union and Israel. It is also another possibility.”

When questioned about potential retaliatory sanctions from Israel, Lemoine responded, “We have no details on this subject.” He also dismissed rumors of the closure of the French consulate in Jerusalem or the seizure of French properties, stating, “On this last point, we have no official information… We have no official information.I also note that the ambassador of Israel to France yesterday denied this information by saying that it was a fake news. The situation of French possessions in Israel is quite clear. But we have no information on the subject.”

In closing, Lemoine emphasized France’s commitment to finding a resolution through constructive dialog, highlighting an upcoming conference co-sponsored with Saudi Arabia at the UN in New York.”Once again, I think that in the situation, you have to be constructive and be constructive. This is what we are going to do with a conference that will be organized in June on the two -states solution, which we co -sponsor with Saudi Arabia at the UN in New York. Again, it is indeed a question of being constructive and trying to find a way out of this situation which is absolutely impossible on the ground.”