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Macron filmed yelling at Israeli security guards during Jerusalem visit

French President Emmanuel Macron has been filmed berating Israeli security guards during a trip t...
Stephen McNeice
Stephen McNeice

20.39 22 Jan 2020


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Macron filmed yelling at Israe...

Macron filmed yelling at Israeli security guards during Jerusalem visit

Stephen McNeice
Stephen McNeice

20.39 22 Jan 2020


Share this article


French President Emmanuel Macron has been filmed berating Israeli security guards during a trip to Jerusalem.

Mr Macron was visiting the Church of St Anne - a building that is considered French state territory.

Typically, it's expected that Israeli police or security do not enter the building - which was gifted to France from the Ottomans in 1856 - if asked by a French official.

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According to the Times of Israel, the row broke out today after Israeli security personnel pushed past a French detail and entered the church first.

Footage of the incident was shared online by Le Parisien journalist Ava Djamshidi:

In the footage, Mr Macron is heard saying: "We know perfectly, everybody knows the rules.

"I don't like what you did in front of me. Go out. Outside."

He added: "We had a wonderful walk - you did a great job in the city.

"[But] please respect the rules as they are for centuries - they will not change with me."

Following the incident, Israeli police and the Shin Bet security agency suggested the guards had escorted the French President inside 'based on the terms agreed upon ahead of time'.

The statement added: "When the president and the delegation finished the visit, he apologised about the incident and shook hands with the security personnel and continued his scheduled visit in the old city with security guards."

The status of the site has previously led to public rows between French leaders and Israeli security.

Former French president Jacques Chirac had a similar confrontation with guards during a visit to the site in 1996.

Main image: French President Emmanuel Macron visits the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's Old City, Israel. Picture by: Blondet Eliot/ABACA/ABACA/PA Images

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