Who Is Charles Kushner? France summons US ambassador over anti-Semitism allegations

A new diplomatic clash has erupted between the United States and France. U.S. Ambassador Charles Kushner was summoned by the French government after accusing France of fueling antisemitism through its criticism of Israel.

Kushner’s Controversial Remarks

In an opinion piece published Sunday in the Wall Street Journal, Kushner addressed French President Emmanuel Macron. He claimed that France had failed to control a “dramatic rise in antisemitism.” He argued that public criticism of Israel and moves toward recognizing a Palestinian state encourage extremists and put Jewish lives at risk.

Kushner, who is Jewish and the father of former White House adviser Jared Kushner, also defended Israel’s military actions in Gaza. He wrote that “anti-Zionism is antisemitism—plain and simple.” The article was quickly shared by Israel’s foreign ministry, raising global attention.

France Responds Strongly

France’s foreign ministry dismissed Kushner’s accusations as “unacceptable.” Officials said his remarks crossed the line of diplomatic conduct, as ambassadors are expected not to interfere in domestic affairs. The ministry stressed that France is already fully mobilized to fight rising antisemitism.

By summoning Kushner, Paris made a strong diplomatic move to signal its anger. Such summons are rare and usually reserved for serious disputes.

Who Is Charles Kushner?

Charles Kushner, 71, is a businessman and founder of Kushner Companies. He was appointed U.S. Ambassador to France by Donald Trump in late 2024. Trump described him as a “philanthropist and dealmaker.”

Kushner also has a controversial past. In 2005, he pleaded guilty to tax evasion, illegal donations, and witness tampering. He served two years in prison before being pardoned by Trump in 2020.

Tensions Over Israel and Palestine

The clash comes as France pushes for recognition of a Palestinian state at the U.N. General Assembly this September. French President Macron has strongly criticized Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, calling it a humanitarian disaster.

Israel, backed by the U.S., opposes France’s stance. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently accused France of “rewarding terror” by supporting Palestinian recognition. Macron rejected those claims, calling them “erroneous and abject.”

Rising Antisemitism and Islamophobia

Both antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents have increased in France since the Gaza war began after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. Jewish sites, synagogues, and businesses have been vandalized. At the same time, Muslims in France have also reported a rise in hate crimes.

Kushner’s op-ed linked these incidents to French policy, but Paris insists it is committed to fighting antisemitism without silencing criticism of Israel.

This diplomatic dispute highlights the growing tension between U.S., France, Israel, and Palestine at a sensitive moment in global politics.