Emmanuel Macron was caught on camera in a heated exchange with Israeli police on a visit to Jerusalem. The French President was invited by Israel to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz Nazi camp on Thursday. He had planned to go to the Sainte-Anne basilica, which was detained by France, but was stopped from entering.
Mr Macron erupted in anger during the standoff, ordering the security to leave the building he was in.
He told them: “We know perfectly well, everyone knows the rules.
“I don’t like what you did in front of me. Go outside. I’m sorry but we know the rules.
“Nobody has to provoke, Nobody! We keep calm!
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“Guys, we had a wonderful walk. You did a great job in the city, I do it appreciate it. Please respect the rules as they have been for centuries.
“They will not change with me, I can tell you.
“Okay? So everybody respect the rules, please.”
The French President gestured for the police to leave the building, before making his way through and entering himself.
Mr Macron had not planned to stroll through several areas of the Old City, only the detained Sainte-Anne basilica.
French officials did not rule out Macron ambling beyond St. Anne and into the historic Via Dolorosa.
This is the route Christians believe Jesus walked to his crucifixion.
Mr Macron last week played down any real prospect of renewing French efforts to push the peace process, stalled since 2014, saying it was not for him to dictate to either side.
He told reporters: “I am not going to come saying ‘this is a peace plan’ because it would only fail. I’m going to speak to the actors, see what the conditions are. France always has a role to play and I don’t think we’re absent from the debates in the region.”