PARIS — The French Foreign Ministry called in the Israeli ambassador on Tuesday after an incident involving Israeli security during a recent visit by Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot to Jerusalem.

The ministry expressed strong disapproval of armed Israeli police being present at Eléona, a site owned by France located on the Mount of Olives. This incident also included the temporary detainment of two gendarmes attached to the French consulate, both of whom possess diplomatic status.

Due to these events, Barrot opted to cancel his planned visit to the compound. France has insisted on the need for measures to ensure that such occurrences do not take place in the future.

In response, Israeli police described the situation as a misunderstanding. They explained that two church workers had refused to identify themselves to the Israeli security detail accompanying Barrot, which resulted in their brief detainment. Police stated that the males were held for approximately 20 minutes and were released after their identities as French Consulate employees were confirmed.

Israeli authorities noted that all foreign ministers on official visits are accompanied by Israeli security staff. They also mentioned that the arrangements for Barrot’s visit were coordinated prior with the French Embassy in Israel.

This diplomatic discord surfaced amid rising security concerns related to the France-Israel UEFA Nations League match scheduled for Thursday in Paris. In light of recent violence against Israeli supporters in Amsterdam, French authorities are implementing extensive security measures to protect attendees at the event.