France Accuses Israel of Damaging Bilateral Ties Following Incident at Jerusalem Holy Site

France has accused Israel of harming diplomatic relations after Israeli security forces entered a French-administered holy site in Jerusalem and briefly detained two French officials with diplomatic status. The incident occurred on Thursday as French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot was set to visit The Church of the Pater Noster compound on the Mount of Olives, one of four Jerusalem sites under French administration and considered French territory.

French diplomatic sources stated that Israeli authorities had been informed not to enter the site before Barrot’s visit. However, Israeli security forces entered the compound, prompting Barrot to refuse entry while they remained on the premises. During the incident, two French security officials, who were confirmed to be from the French consulate and holding diplomatic status, were detained briefly by Israeli security.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry explained that a dispute arose between Israeli forces and the French security guards, who were released as soon as they identified themselves as diplomats. The ministry further noted that all foreign dignitaries are customarily accompanied by Israeli security personnel—a protocol allegedly communicated to the French Embassy prior to the visit.

Expressing frustration over the incident, Barrot said, “This violation of the integrity of a site under French responsibility risks undermining the ties I had come to nurture with Israel at a time when we all need to move forward the region on the path to peace.” French diplomatic sources have called Israel’s version of events “false allegations,” suggesting the matter is not yet resolved.

The French Foreign Ministry announced it would summon the Israeli ambassador to Paris in the coming days. The diplomatic row comes amid already strained relations due to France’s growing discomfort with Israel’s military actions in Gaza and Lebanon. French President Emmanuel Macron recently advocated for halting offensive weapons supplies to Israel for use in Gaza and sought to bar Israeli defense firms from showcasing their products at a trade fair in Paris.

The incident is likely to add tension to the ongoing diplomatic challenges between France and Israel as both nations navigate sensitive issues affecting the Middle East.