"Your call for the creation of a Palestinian state is adding fuel to the fire of anti-Semitism" - Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused French President Emmanuel Macron of inciting anti-Semitism over his decision to recognize the State of Palestine.

This was reported by POLITICO, citing a letter from Netanyahu to Macron.

In the letter, Netanyahu talks about the anti-Semitic incidents that have occurred in France in recent months and tries to connect them with Macron's policy towards Palestine.

"Your call for the creation of a Palestinian state adds fuel to this anti-Semitic fire... It encourages Hamas terrorism, strengthens its reluctance to release hostages, encourages those who threaten Jews in France, and encourages the hatred of Jews that now reigns in your streets," Netanyahu said.

In response, Macron's office, while pointing to Macron's efforts to eradicate anti-Semitism in France, hit back at the criticism, saying that Netanyahu's claim that the decision to recognize the State of Palestine had led to an increase in anti-Semitic violence in France was "wrong, reprehensible and will not go unanswered."

On July 24, Macron announced that France would formally recognize the State of Palestine at a UN meeting in September, a move that drew criticism from Israel.

The French announcement was followed by the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.