France has summoned the U.S. ambassador to Paris, Charles Kushner, following a letter he penned to French President Emmanuel Macron, alleging insufficient French action against rising antisemitism. The diplomatic move, announced by France’s foreign ministry on Sunday, indicates a strong rejection of Kushner’s claims, stating they are "unacceptable." The French ministry emphasized its full mobilization against the surge in antisemitic acts since October 7, 2023, labeling such actions as "intolerable." The statement, obtained by CBS News, further asserted that Kushner’s allegations contradict international law, specifically citing the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the principle of non-interference in a state’s internal affairs. Beyond the legal arguments, the ministry expressed concern that the accusations damage the transatlantic partnership between France and the United States, highlighting the importance of trust between allies. The dispute underscores a broader strain in French-American relations, exacerbated by ongoing trade tensions initiated by former President Trump. Specifically, a recent executive order imposed tariffs on goods previously exempt from these duties, including items valued under $800, set to take effect on August 29th. In response, France will suspend the shipment of many packages to the U.S. due to a lack of clarity regarding these new import regulations. Adding to the complexity, France and the U.S. remain at odds over the future of U.N. peacekeepers in Lebanon, with a crucial vote on the issue scheduled by the U.N. Security Council at the end of the month. The disagreement over UNIFIL reflects a wider divergence in strategic priorities.

Furthermore, the two nations have previously held differing views on supporting Ukraine’s efforts against Russia, though recent engagement between President Trump and President Macron has eased some of these tensions. Notably, President Trump’s final act in office involved pardoning Charles Kushner, who had previously pleaded guilty to tax evasion and illicit campaign contributions. Jared Kushner, Charles Kushner’s son and a former senior advisor to President Trump, is married to Ivanka Trump, the former president’s eldest daughter. France boasts the largest Jewish population in Western Europe, estimated at around 500,000 individuals – approximately 1% of the total national population. The diplomatic exchange highlights the sensitive and complex relationship between these two nations, particularly concerning issues of security, international law, and the preservation of a robust transatlantic alliance. The ongoing tensions serve as a reminder of the challenges inherent in navigating geopolitical differences while maintaining strong diplomatic ties.