Amid political paralysis, financial woes and nationwide protests, President Emmanuel Macron of France appointed his close ally, Sebastien Lecornu, as prime minister.

A recently released government report on the Muslim Brotherhood and political Islamism in France has sparked widespread political and religious controversy.

Although French secularism is defined as separation of religion from state, Paris itself is demanding that the transitional Syrian government include religious minorities in the new form of authority.

A controversial bill recently introduced by two French Senate lawmakers aims to criminalize, jail and fine anyone who dares to criticize “Israel” or anti-Semitism and Zionism.

PM Benjamin Netanyahu had blasted Macron’s comments, calling them a disgrace, while Macron defended the statements and insisted France is committed to Israeli security.