“Le Figaro,” a prominent French newspaper, reports a notable development in French diplomacy concerning Middle Eastern affairs.
In an unprecedented move in the modern history of French diplomacy in the Arab world, several French ambassadors in the Middle East have expressed their regret over Paris’ stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
According to the report published on Tuesday, about ten French ambassadors in the Middle East and some countries in the Maghreb collectively drafted and signed a memorandum.
They expressed disappointment over the shift in French President Emmanuel Macron’s position, citing his bias towards Israel in its ongoing conflict with Hamas.
Le Figaro described this memorandum from the French diplomats, who are critical of Macron’s policy towards the Gaza war, as a form of diplomatic rebellion.
They noted that Macron’s bias towards Israel represents a break from Paris’ traditionally balanced position regarding the Israelis and Palestinians.
A diplomat in Paris, who had access to the memorandum, revealed that it was directed to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is expected to escalate it to the Élysée Palace.
A French diplomat familiar with the document commented, “This is no joke. In the memorandum, which is not an opposition statement, the ambassadors emphasize that our pro-Israel stance at the onset of the crisis is currently misunderstood in the Middle East. It contradicts our traditionally balanced approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”
Le Figaro also uncovered a divide within the French Foreign Ministry over the country’s position on the events in Gaza, with ambassadors voicing concerns about the implications of this stance on France’s interests in the region.
