**Tensions Rise as Israeli Police Enter French-Owned Church in Jerusalem**

In a dramatic turn of events on Thursday, Israeli police armed with weapons entered the French-owned Eleona Domain church compound in Jerusalem, briefly detaining two French gendarmes stationed there for security. This incident has sparked a diplomatic row between France and Israel, compelling French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot to cancel a planned visit to the site.

An AFP journalist at the scene reported that Barrot described the Israeli police intrusion as “unacceptable.” Following the incident, the French foreign ministry in Paris announced that Israel's ambassador would be summoned to explain the actions of the police.

According to a statement from Israel's foreign ministry, the security arrangements for the visit had already been “clarified” beforehand. However, Israeli police claimed that the French gendarmes, who were not in uniform, had failed to identify themselves and obstructed the police in their duties. AFP footage captured the moment when Israeli police surrounded the gendarmes, pushing one to the ground despite his protests and identification efforts. The gendarmes were then taken into police cars but released later on.

Speaking at the scene, Barrot expressed his reluctance to enter the Eleona Domain under current circumstances. He emphasized that the French have maintained the site for over 150 years and manage its security. France considers the Eleona Domain and three other French-owned properties in Jerusalem to be under its national domain, which must be respected.

Israeli police defended their actions, stating that they were fulfilling their responsibilities when two unidentified individuals at the monastery obstructed their work by denying entry to the site. These individuals, later identified as French gendarmes, reportedly knew they were dealing with the French consulate staff, sparking a contentious exchange about the site's ownership.

Barrot voiced concerns that this incident could harm Franco-Israeli relations, especially at a time when cooperative efforts are needed to foster peace in the region. The Eleona Domain has previously been the center of diplomatic tensions, being part of a national domain attributed to France before the establishment of Israel and administered by the French consulate in Jerusalem.

This latest confrontation underscores the fragile nature of international relations in contested territories and highlights ongoing disputes over jurisdiction and protocol in sensitive areas.