Macron warns anti-Semitism must not be “weaponized” in rebuke to Netanyahu

French President Emmanuel Macron has pushed back against criticism from 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the rise of anti-Semitism in France, warning that the sensitive issue must not be used as a political tool.

In a letter addressed to Netanyahu and published Tuesday in several French newspapers, Macron rejected the 'Israeli' leader’s accusations that Paris had failed to act.

Read more: Netanyahu accuses Macron of anti-Semitism in new letter

"These accusations of inaction in the face of a scourge that we are fighting with everything in our power are unacceptable and are an offence to France as a whole," Macron wrote.

The French president stressed that his government treats anti-Semitism as a national priority and insisted the charge of complacency was deeply unfair.

He also cautioned against exploiting the subject, saying it should not be “weaponized” in political disputes.