Israeli Right-Wing Groups Urge Netanyahu to Close French Consulate in Jerusalem
Right-wing Israeli organizations have urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to close the French Consulate General in Jerusalem, following the recent closure of the British consulate.
Following the closure of the British consulate in Jerusalem and the departure of 20 diplomats from Israel, right-wing organizations have urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to order the closure of the French Consulate General in Jerusalem. The appeal follows a Foreign Ministry recommendation from August 2025.
Call for Equal Treatment
Leaders from organizations including Regavim, Im Tirtzu, and the Kohelet Policy Forum signed the letter to Netanyahu. They argued that France should face the same measures as the UK, citing French-backed sanctions, investigations against Israeli citizens, and President Emmanuel Macron's recent UN General Assembly statements.
"There is no justification to grant France different treatment after it promoted sanctions, launched investigations against Israelis... and especially in light of the activity of French President Macron at the UN General Assembly," the letter stated.
Allegations of Supporting Terrorism
The organizations also pointed to a Jerusalem Center for Applied Policy (JCAP) report claiming the French consulate promoted a book about plane hijacker Leila Khaled. They further accused the consulate of maintaining ties with anti-Israel entities and Palestinian figures.
Regavim CEO Meir Deutsch stated: "As those who have monitored France's hostile activity for years... we call on the Prime Minister: close the French diplomatic mission operating from Jerusalem!"
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Closure of the British consulate sparked right-wing demands regarding France.
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Organizations cited French diplomatic actions and alleged support for sub-versive elements.
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The Foreign Ministry previously recommended closing the French mission in August 2025.
