Israeli Police Enter French Church Compound in Jerusalem

A diplomatic incident occurred in Jerusalem when Israeli police forcibly entered a French-owned church compound, briefly detaining two employees of the French consulate. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot canceled his visit in protest, condemning the actions as 'unacceptable' and stating that they could undermine Franco-Israeli relations amidst ongoing regional tensions. The French Foreign Ministry plans to summon the Israeli ambassador in response to the incident, which took place during Barrot's meetings aimed at promoting peace in the region. Israeli officials described the event as a misunderstanding, asserting the consulate employees were detained for approximately 20 minutes before being released upon identification. The Church of the Pater Noster, where the incident occurred, is significant to France, heightening the diplomatic stakes. The situation reflects broader strains between France and Israel, exacerbated by recent calls from French officials for an arms embargo on Israel.