French surprised, annoyed at Israeli "anti-Frenchism"

"I think there is a neurosis that causes anti-Frenchism," the ambassador, Gerard Araud, told Army Radio. "This anti-French neurosis has led to France being so hated in Israel. The relationship between the two countries is very difficult. You simply love to hate us."

says the French ambassador to Israel.

It's true that France does not criticize Israel anymore than most other European countries (not that that is a consolation).
But what IS different about France is the extent and intensity of its ties to the Arab world.

• Hezbollah has an official broadcasting branch in France.
• France hosted Arafat when he was dying, honouring him as if he were Churchill, not the worst terrorist that ever lived.
• France is the major beneficiary of the Oil-For-Food scandal, apart from the Annan family crime syndicate.
• Of course, France is not averse to a little over-the-top violence when a few French soldiers get killed.

The French act as though there's no problem being normal to your face, and at the same time being best friends and partners with the homicidal maniacs who are out to kill you and your entire family.

Yeah, they're a civilized country alright.