French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the remarks as “unacceptable” and confirmed they were reported to both the government’s monitoring platform and law enforcement agencies.
France’s Chief Rabbi Haim Korsia also denounced the statements as “disgusting and intolerable,” noting that Cohen “has never served as a rabbi in France nor studied or completed rabbinical training there.” Reports say Rabbi Cohen currently resides in Israel.
The controversy comes amid Macron’s recent calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, humanitarian aid and the establishment of a Palestinian state. Last month, Macron emphasized the urgent need to end the Gaza war, secure the release of all hostages, disarm Hamas, ensure Gaza’s security, rebuild the territory and promote peace through recognition of Israel and the new Palestinian state.
