Tensions Rise as Israeli Police Detain French Consulate Gendarmes in Jerusalem

Israeli police briefly detained two French gendarmes at a French-owned church compound in Jerusalem, leading French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot to cancel his visit and prompting France to summon Israel's ambassador. The incident occurred after the gendarmes, not in uniform, allegedly obstructed Israeli security personnel. France criticized the police action as "unacceptable," emphasizing the historical and diplomatic significance of the site. Israel's foreign ministry stated that security protocols had been clarified in advance.