France Accused of Undermining Israeli Sovereignty in Jerusalem

France appears to be intensifying its diplomatic activities in Jerusalem, mirroring actions previously taken by the British Consulate, according to Chaim Silberstein, chairman of the Jerusalem Center for Applied Policy (JCAP). Silberstein noted that the new French Consul presented his credentials to Abu Mazen, a move that has so far elicited no strong Israeli response. This follows Israel's diplomatic efforts against the British Consulate, which provided services to Palestinians in Jerusalem. Silberstein praised Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar's decision to close the British Consulate, partly due to JCAP's publications highlighting British actions against Israeli sovereignty in Jerusalem. JCAP advocates for punishing and closing consulates of countries like France and Britain that operate against Israeli sovereignty. Silberstein stated that numerous consulates in Sheikh Jarrah, some openly declaring themselves as embassies to Palestine, function as embassies in the Palestinian capital, undermining Israeli sovereignty. He cited the French Consul presenting credentials to Abu Mazen as a particularly egregious example, questioning Israel's passive reaction. Silberstein believes the Foreign Ministry is aware of these activities but fears reciprocal closure of Israeli consulates. He also revealed that the French Consulate in Jerusalem collaborated on launching a book by Leila Khaled, a hijacker, portraying her as a "Palestinian liberation icon." Silberstein urged Israel to cease its restraint and issue an ultimatum: either these countries recognize Israeli sovereignty in Jerusalem or relocate their consulates to Ramallah.