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.

The left-wing alliance won the most seats in the French parliament, thwarting the far-right’s attempt to take power, but the parties fell well short of the threshold for a majority.

One of Macron’s former allies and potential rivals in the upcoming presidential election, Edouard Philippe, suggested that Islam may need a special law and a state agency to regulate it in France.