“Are the reported positions those of France? If not, recall the Consul... If yes, we protest!”

Paris, 15 July 2020 

In a letter to French Foreign Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, Wiesenthal Centre Director for International Relations, Dr. Shimon Samuels, expressed “grave concern regarding an interview with the French Consul General to Ramallah, though residing in Jerusalem. René Troccaz, in a meeting with Palestine Liberation Organization Secretary-General, Saeb Erekat, reportedly made undiplomatic statements that were revealed by the highly respected Palestinian Media Watch, and since appeared in the Palestinian daily Al Hayat Al Jadida.”

Samuels continued, “apparently, in the meeting, Mr. Troccaz is quoted as defining ‘his country’s’ position in supporting Palestinian Authority (PA) political demands such as:

- The release of all Palestinian prisoners, including terrorists and murderers of civilians;

- The right of return of all ‘Palestinian refugees’.”

The Centre questioned the Foreign Minister whether “your Consul General’s stated positions are those of France?”

“If they are not, we urge you to recall Mr. Troccaz for ultra vires misuse of his duties... If they are, we protest at an outrageous one-sided policy,” argued Samuels.

The letter noted that, “on 1 July, pro-Palestinian rallies in France degenerated into chants such as ‘From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be Free!’ – a call to wipe Israel off the map.”

“The apparent delusional policy of Mr. Troccaz will not bring peace, but may encourage further Jihadist terror on French soil,” claimed the Centre.

“Mr. Foreign Minister, we await word that, after investigation, Mr. Troccaz apologize to Israel and the Jewish people,” concluded Samuels.