• Netanyahu accuses Macron of fueling antisemitism after France's recognition of Palestine.
• France's presidential office labels Netanyahu's claims as "abject" and "erroneous."
• Reported antisemitic acts in France have surged, contrasting with the recognition plan.
• Netanyahu also targets Australia's PM Albanese for supporting Palestinian statehood.
• Both nations reaffirm their commitment to fighting antisemitism amid diplomatic tensions.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly criticized French President Emmanuel Macron, accusing him of fueling antisemitism in France by announcing plans to recognize a Palestinian state during a UN meeting in September. Netanyahu's remarks were articulated in a letter sent to Macron, wherein he noted that "antisemitism has surged" in France, linking this trend to the recognition announcement, which he perceived as "rewarding Hamas terror" and "encouraging Jew-hatred now stalking your streets," according to Le Monde and Channel News Asia.

In swift response, the French presidency condemned Netanyahu's accusations as "abject" and "erroneous," emphasizing that this was a moment requiring seriousness and responsibility rather than "conflation and manipulation." They indicated that France would continue to protect its Jewish citizens and reinforce its commitment against antisemitism, according to AA and TRT World.

Macron's governmental actions have been supported by French Minister for European Affairs Benjamin Haddad, who asserted that France "has no lessons to learn" in the battle against antisemitism. He criticized Netanyahu's remarks as unworthy of a constructive dialogue, stressing the need for unity against antisemitic violence, which has seen a reported increase in France over recent years, as detailed by SCMP and Al Jazeera.

The controversy surrounding Netanyahu's letter coincides with tensions arising from identical commitments to recognize Palestinian statehood from Australia. Netanyahu expressed scorn towards Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, labeling him a "weak politician" for supporting the Palestinian cause. This diplomatic spat extended the tensions experienced by Israel in recent weeks, as noted in reports from Africa News and The Jakarta Post.

While asserting his stance, Netanyahu has faced criticism for seemingly manipulating concerns over antisemitism to divert attention from Israel's controversial political actions. Observers indicate that such strategies might heighten antisemitic sentiments, driven by the ongoing conflicts and diplomatic isolation Israel is experiencing in light of policy decisions concerning Palestine, as reported by Le Monde.