Diplomatic Tensions: France Summons Israel’s Ambassador

France's Foreign Ministry summoned Israel's ambassador due to an incident during French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot's visit to Jerusalem. Israeli security forces detained French consulate members, sparking diplomatic tensions. Israel termed it a misunderstanding, but France demands preventive measures. The rift coincides with heightened security for an upcoming France-Israel soccer match.

France's Foreign Ministry took a diplomatic step by summoning the Israeli ambassador after an incident involving Israeli security forces during French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot's recent Jerusalem visit.

French officials expressed concern over the presence of armed Israeli police at the Eléona, a French-owned site, and the brief detention of two French consulate gendarmes, holding diplomatic status. This led to Barrot cancelling his scheduled visit to the site.

Israel attributed the incident to a misunderstanding, explaining that the French consulate employees refused to identify themselves initially. The situation adds tension as France ramps up security for the Nations League match against Israel, amidst concerns following previous violence at a match in Amsterdam.

(With inputs from agencies.)