Indeed, the conflation between antisemitism and pro-Palestine sentiments has long existed in France. For example, in the 1990s, the Gayssot Act was enacted, which both criminalises Holocaust denial, but also drags any views differing from the pro-Israel narrative into the mix. Even back then, the law sparked widespread controversy in academic and research circles, and critical debate around it continues.

However, the pro-Israel lobbying pressure succeeded in silencing academic and media voices who denounced the law for undermining research standards and the truth.

Nevertheless, things have shifted in recent times, and it seems the more such laws are pushed into political establishments, from the US to France, the larger the solidarity with the Palestinian people has become. Following over two years of genocide, people have woken up to Israel’s crimes.