Israeli police enter French-owned church compound in Jerusalem, detaining two gendarmes

French Foreign Ministry says 2 staff members of France Consulate General in Jerusalem arrested by Israeli police, later released after minister intervened.

Israeli police entered the French-owned Eleona church compound in Jerusalem on Thursday, briefly detaining two French gendarmes, prompting French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot to cancel a scheduled visit.

“I will not enter the Eleona Domain today, because Israeli security forces entered with weapons, without prior French authorization, and refused to leave,” Barrot said at the scene, calling the incident “unacceptable.”

The French Foreign Ministry announced it would summon Israel’s ambassador to discuss the situation.

France asserts ownership of the sanctuary on the Mount of Olives under international treaties. The site has been a focal point for previous diplomatic disputes.