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.

France has summoned the American ambassador over a letter alleging the country did not do enough to combat antisemitism.