Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon met with France's President Mr Chirac today as he attempted to defuse European criticism of his hardline policies and isolate Palestinian President Yasser Arafat.
But after receiving firm but friendly "advice" in Berlin from Germany's Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, Mr Sharon faced a cooler reception in Paris, where officials have warned they oppose his tough tactics against the Palestinians.
Mr Sharon acknowledged this difference in tone between the most influential countries in Europe on the flight between Germany in Paris, when he called on other EU states to follow Germany's lead.
"We'd be very happy to see the Europeans more involved in the political process but for that to happen they'd have to have a more balanced position like that of Germany or Britain," he said.
"The Europeans could help in putting massive pressure on Yasser Arafat, the Palestinian president, to the point of isolating him, because that's the only way to make him fight terrorism," he said.
France is traditionally seen as more pro-Arab than some of its allies, and last week was the first western power to host a visit by President Bashar al-Assad of Syria.
Meanwhile a Palestinian was shot dead by troops in continuing clashes today between Palestinians - both stone-throwing youths and armed groups - and the Israeli army.
Israeli Defence Minister Binyamin Mr Eliezer warned that peace was not close despite a fragile US backed ceasefire called on June 13th.
Mr Sharon was to dine with Mr Chirac tonight and will meet French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin tomorrow before returning to Israel.
AFP