France-Israel Tensions Rise Over Diplomatic Incident

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot canceled his visit to the Eleona church in Jerusalem after Israeli police entered the French-administered site and briefly detained two French gendarmes, causing a diplomatic incident. The French government has summoned Israel's ambassador for an explanation, protesting the entry of armed Israeli forces without prior authorization. The incident further strains France-Israel relations, already tense due to disagreements over the Gaza conflict. The Eleona church, part of the French national domain in the Holy Land, has been a focal point for diplomatic issues in the past. Israeli authorities claim the gendarmes were detained for not identifying themselves but were released after verification. France has condemned the actions as unacceptable, emphasizing the need for cooperation to de-escalate regional tensions.