RECITAL – Israeli policemen abducted two French gendarmes from a religious estate under French protection.
Jerusalem correspondent
It was supposed to be a symbolic stage in the Foreign Minister’s trip, but it degenerated into a diplomatic incident. Thursday afternoon, Jean-Noël Barrot had planned to visit the Eleona monastery on the Mount of Olives in the eastern part of Jerusalem, occupied by Israel since 1967. Owned by France for 150 years, the site is under French protection, as are many other estates occupied by religious congregations in Israel and the Occupied Territories.
However, the visit did not take place because, according to witnesses, Israeli policemen forced their way into the monastery armed with weapons, despite the opposition of two French gendarmes present at the scene.
Forced to the ground
On learning of this, the Minister of Foreign Affairs refused to enter the monastery grounds. ” I had come here to visit the Eleona estate, which belongs to France and for which it provides security.said Jean-Noël…
This article is reserved for subscribers. You still have 80% to discover.
Would you like to read the rest?
Unlock all articles immediately. No obligation.
Already a subscriber?
Log on