A diplomatic row between the United States and France escalated on Monday when Washington decided to stand firmly behind its ambassador's criticism of the French response to a rising tide of antisemitism.

France has summoned the United States Ambassador Charles Kushner after he wrote to French President Emmanuel Macron critising the government for what he said is its insufficient action against antisemitism.

Kushner wrote in an open letter on Sunday to President Emmanuel Macron that the country had not taken “sufficient action” to combat antisemitism.