Arrest of French embassy staff at Jerusalem holy site further strains ties

RFI

8 November 2024 at 3:29 am·1-min read

French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot after cancelling his planned visit to the Church of the Pater Noster in Jerusalem on 7 November 2024.

France has accused Israel of harming bilateral ties after Israeli security forces entered a French-administered holy site in Jerusalem, briefly detaining two French diplomats during a visit by Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot.

The incident took place on Thursday as Barrot prepared to visit the Church of the Pater Noster on the Mount of Olives – one of four sites under French administration in Jerusalem.

The compound, owned by France, is a sensitive location and part of the country’s historic ties to the city.

Armed Israeli police forced their way into the church compound, detaining two consulate gendarmes and leading Barrot to cancel his planned visit.

The clash has further strained relations, coming just weeks after French President Emmanuel Macron’s call for an arms embargo on Israel sparked backlash from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The French Foreign Ministry said it would summon the Israeli ambassador in protest in the coming days.

'Unacceptable actions'

In a strongly worded statement, France condemned the Israeli forces’ entry into the Church of the Pater Noster courtyard, noting Barrot’s frustration with the disruption, which forced him to abandon his visit.

The ministry added that the two consulate staff members, despite their diplomatic status, were only released after Barrot intervened.

Israeli police portrayed the incident as a misunderstanding, stating that two church workers initially refused entry to Israeli security guards accompanying Barrot.

The site was entrusted to French Carmelite nuns in 1874.

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'Unacceptable actions'

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