The Franco-Tunisian Imam Hassen Chalghoumi is at the heart of a lively controversy in Tunisia, after his recent visit to Israel and a gesture deemed moved to an Israeli minister. L’Observatory of transparency and good governanceTunisian NGO announced that it had filed a complaint for high treason, believing that its behavior involves national sovereignty.
Controversy video
Hassen Chalghoumi, known for his positions in favor of interreligious dialogue, went, last week, to Israel as part of an official visit. A video widely broadcast on social networks has shown it trying to kiss the Israeli Minister of the Interior, a gesture that caused an uproar in Tunisia.
Following this episode, a Tunisian organization, the observatory of transparency and good governance, filed a complaint against him for high betrayal. The NGO accuses Chalghoumi of having demonstrated support for the Israeli authorities while attacking the Palestinian resistance.
Strong convictions
The organization at the origin of the complaint requested the withdrawal of Tunisian nationality from Hassen Chalghoumi, as well as prosecution before military justice. She believes that her actions represent a serious attack on national sovereignty.
Many voices on social networks have also expressed their indignation, qualifying his behavior as “shameful” and “unworthy”. Religious organizations, such as the European Council of Imams, have distanced themselves from him, saying that he does not represent Muslims in Europe and that his approach is “suspicious”.
Direct incitement against Palestinian resistance
Media figure in France, Hassen Chalghoumi has defended moderate Islam for several years and advocates the rapprochement between religions, especially with the Jewish community. In Tunisia, where the Palestinian cause is the subject of a large popular consensus, any gesture assimilated to a form of normalization with Israel remains extremely sensitive.
This case occurs in a tense regional climate, while acts perceived as signs of alignment with Israel are regularly denounced in the Arab world. Chalghoumi’s gesture, filmed and shared massively, has been interpreted by many as a provocation or betrayal.
French “imam” hasen chalghoumi tried to kiss israeli minister moshe arbel’s hand daring his visit to Israel, – but arbel quickly pulled it away. pic.twitter.com/xvhtpzzoz7
– Clash Report (@ClashReport) July 11, 2025
