French President Emmanuel Macron has rejected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s criticism linking rising antisemitism in France to Paris’ support for Palestinian statehood, warning that the issue should not be “weaponized.”

In a letter published Tuesday, Macron said accusations of French inaction were “unacceptable” and an insult to the nation, stressing that France was fighting antisemitism “with all its strength.” He added that combating antisemitism must not create discord between Israel and France.

The exchange comes amid a spike in antisemitic incidents in France, coinciding with the ongoing war in Gaza. Netanyahu had argued that Macron’s pledge to recognize a Palestinian state was fueling antisemitism, calling it an act of appeasement toward Hamas.

Macron responded by urging Israel to end its “permanent war in Gaza,” saying it has caused a humanitarian disaster and left Israel in political deadlock.

Tensions have also risen with Washington, after US ambassador Charles Kushner accused France of insufficient action against antisemitism, prompting Paris to summon embassy officials and call the allegations “unacceptable.”