Netanyahu Claims France Faces 'Extremist Muslim Invasion' Amid Riots
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed France was hit by an "invasion of extremist Islam" following weekend riots over economic conditions, criticizing French leaders for not preparing in time. He advised France to "fight back" against extremists, echoing far-right rhetoric and drawing accusations of Islamophobia. Netanyahu linked the unrest to Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack, saying he warned President Emmanuel Macron that failure to eliminate the group would bring violence to Paris, without providing evidence. His remarks follow France's recognition of Palestinian statehood last year, which angered Israel. US President Donald Trump separately blamed immigration for the French protests, urging Macron to close borders, a stance central to his 2024 campaign. Netanyahu previously faced condemnation for derisively calling Britain an "Islamic republic" in August.