France: Protests in Paris over US decision on Jerusalem December 9

Event

Protests and counterprotests erupted in Paris on Saturday, December 9, over the recent US announcement that it will recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and begin preparations to move the US Embassy to the city, and against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's planned visit to Paris on Sunday, December 10. Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters reportedly assembled at Place de la République on Saturday; a smaller group of pro-Israel counterprotesters also reportedly gathered at the site, where both sides chanted slogans at the other under police supervision.

Additional protests, a heightened security presence, and consequent traffic disruptions are expected in Paris in the coming hours, ahead of Netanyahu's planned meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday, December 10.

Context

Similar protests organized by pro-Palestinian groups took place on Saturday in Lyon, Rome, Stockholm, and Istanbul, among other European cities.

On December 6, President Trump announced that the US officially recognizes Jerusalem as Israel's capital, a departure from the previous US and international position of neutrality on the status of the city claimed by both Israelis and Palestinians; no country has an embassy in Jerusalem. Many world leaders had strongly advised the US administration against the move, claiming it would render impossible the establishment of a Palestinian state and would inflame tensions across the Muslim world.

The US Congress passed a law in 1995 stipulating that the US Embassy in Israel be moved to Jerusalem by May 1999; US Presidents Clinton, Bush, and Obama all issued waivers every six months to delay the move throughout their respective tenures.

Advice

Individuals in Paris and other affected areas are advised to avoid all protests and demonstrations due to the latent potential for violence, to prepare for associated traffic disruptions, and to adhere to all orders issued by local authorities.