France has issued a strong warning to Israel, declaring it will not allow a repeat of an incident in Jerusalem where Israeli security forces reportedly entered a French-administered property without authorization. France’s Foreign Minister emphasized that Israeli forces must refrain from entering sites managed by France, such as The Church of the Pater Noster on the Mount of Olives.
The warning comes after two French security officials with diplomatic status were briefly detained on November 7. The officials were present to prepare for a visit by French Minister Jean-Noel Barrot to the church compound. This property is one of four historical sites in Jerusalem managed by France, and tensions have arisen over France’s jurisdiction in these areas before.
In an interview with France 24, Barrot underscored that France would not accept Israeli forces entering these protected areas without permission, and he reiterated that this incident must not be repeated. Israel’s ambassador to France was summoned to the foreign ministry to discuss the issue.
According to Israel’s foreign ministry, security protocols for foreign dignitaries include accompaniment by Israeli personnel, a measure that they claim was communicated to the French Embassy prior to the visit.
Relations between France and Israel have become strained recently, especially after French President Emmanuel Macron called for a halt in supplying Israel with offensive weapons used in Gaza. France also tried to ban Israeli weapons companies from participating in a Paris trade fair, voicing increasing concerns over Israel’s actions in conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.