Paris: France has launched an investigation into death threats made against President Emmanuel Macron by a French-speaking rabbi, the Interior Ministry confirmed to daily Le Parisien.
According to Anadolu Agency, the prosecutor's office has confirmed that the investigation has been opened "concerning death threats against the President of the Republic," and has been assigned to the criminal brigade of the Paris judicial police. The Interior Ministry stated that "these comments are unacceptable," after Rabbi David Daniel Cohen, reportedly residing in Israel, threatened Macron with death.
The threats were made by the rabbi on August 3, in a video posted on the YouTube channel Archives 260, which is a channel dedicated to Judaism, Jewish history, and Jewish 'geography.' In the video, the rabbi accused Macron of planning to recognize the State of Palestine in September, describing this proposal as a "declaration of war against God." The rabbi stated, "This French president needs to know. He had better prepare his coffin."
The video further includes statements from the rabbi expressing his belief that Macron's actions demonstrate antisemitism. He also targeted Palestinians by advising them to "pack their bags and leave," asserting that they "will not be able to remain on that land no matter what happens."
In July, President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that France would officially recognize Palestine at the upcoming UN General Assembly in September.
Additionally, early on Friday, Israel's Security Cabinet approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to fully occupy Gaza City. Israel is currently facing significant international criticism due to its military actions in Gaza, which have resulted in over 61,000 deaths since October 2023. The conflict has severely damaged the region, bringing it to the brink of famine.
Furthermore, last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the enclave.