France has summoned the U.S. ambassador to Paris, Charles Kushner, following his open letter to President Emmanuel Macron. In the letter, Kushner alleged that France has not done enough to combat antisemitism. The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs announced the summoning on Sunday, stating that Kushner's claims are "unacceptable."

Kushner's letter, published in a newspaper, criticized France's stance on Israel and its plans to recognize a Palestinian state. He argued that public criticism of Israel and gestures toward Palestinian recognition embolden extremists and threaten Jewish safety in France. "In today’s world, anti-Zionism is anti-Semitism – plain and simple," he wrote.

In response, the French foreign ministry firmly rejected Kushner's allegations, asserting that France is fully committed to fighting antisemitism. The ministry emphasized that Kushner's comments violate international law and the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations. It also stated that such remarks undermine the trust essential to the transatlantic partnership between France and the United States.

This diplomatic incident follows recent tensions between France and the U.S. over various issues, including trade and the future of U.N. peacekeepers in Lebanon. France has expressed concerns over the U.S. push to reduce the peacekeeping operation known as UNIFIL, with a vote on the matter scheduled for later this month.

The situation has been further complicated by the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Israel's actions have drawn international scrutiny. France, which has the largest Jewish population in Western Europe, has been vocal about its commitment to protecting its Jewish citizens. The French government has also faced criticism from Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who linked France's recognition of a Palestinian state to rising antisemitism.

Kushner, a real estate developer and father of Jared Kushner, who served as a senior adviser to former President Donald Trump, was pardoned by Trump after pleading guilty to tax evasion and witness tampering in 2005. The tensions between France and the U.S. reflect broader disagreements over foreign policy and support for Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia.