Avigdor Lieberman wants France's Jews to move to Israel (Knesset TV clip)

In a dramatic response to the alarming rise of the far-left in France’s parliamentary elections, Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman has issued a fervent plea to French Jews: "Leave France and immigrate to the State of Israel immediately; there is no time to lose."

The elections, which took place on Sunday and saw all 577 seats of the National Assembly up for grabs, concluded with no party securing a majority. According to Le Monde, the left-wing New Popular Front alliance captured 182 seats, while the centrist Ensemble, supported by President Emmanuel Macron, won 168 seats.

Liberman’s urgent call to action comes in response to statements by Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the leader of the far-left New Popular Front, who has pledged to recognize the State of Palestine. Mélenchon has been a controversial figure, known for his inflammatory remarks about Jews and Israel. Liberman did not mince words, stating, "Mélenchon became famous with quite a few statements against Jews and the State of Israel. His party represents pure antisemitism and expresses a significant increase in hatred of Israel and antisemitism."

The election results have left France in a state of political deadlock and have sent shockwaves through the Jewish community. Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s far-left party’s strong performance has created a climate of fear and uncertainty among French Jews. In his victory speech, Mélenchon boldly declared, “We will have a prime minister from the New Popular Front. We will be able to decide many things by decree. On the international level, we will have to agree to recognize the State of Palestine.”

This shift is seen as a direct threat to the Jewish community in France, which numbers around 500,000. The rise of the far-left, coupled with Mélenchon’s controversial stance on Israel and the Jewish community, has created an environment of anxiety and concern. Many French Jews feel betrayed by the political landscape, particularly the Socialists’ decision to align with Mélenchon’s party.

The political deadlock in France has also led to the resignation of centrist Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, who has Jewish roots. This resignation marks a significant turning point and adds to the sense of instability within the Jewish community.

Since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 and the subsequent military campaign in Gaza, there has been a noticeable spike in antisemitic incidents in France. This includes a particularly harrowing case involving two teenage boys charged with raping a 12-year-old Jewish girl and hurling antisemitic epithets at her.

Liberman also addressed the political situation in Israel, touching upon the possibility of uniting the political right against Netanyahu. He indicated that while no formal talks about places on a potential united slate have taken place, “everyone talks to everyone and there is a good atmosphere.”

In addition, Liberman commented on the contentious issue of the suspected killing of a Palestinian by a citizen who allegedly caught an alleged terrorist alive after participating in the Hamas-led invasion on October 7. He criticized the State Attorney’s Office, describing the situation as “the theater of the absurd” and calling for an apology and the release of all detainees.

The rise of the far-left in France, the pledges to recognize Palestine, and the subsequent increase in antisemitic rhetoric and actions have created an urgent and precarious situation for French Jews. Liberman’s call to leave France and move to Israel underscores the severity of the current climate and the pressing need for action.

This election has not only reshaped France’s political landscape but also heightened the sense of urgency and concern within the Jewish community. The future remains uncertain, and the implications of these developments will be closely watched by Jews in France and around the world.

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