West Jerusalem has issued a demand for the French leader to abandon his intention to recognize Palestine
Israel has declined a suggested visit by French President Emmanuel Macron, expressing opposition to his plan to formally acknowledge Palestinian statehood.
During a phone discussion with his French counterpart, Jean-Noel Barrot, on Thursday, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar communicated West Jerusalem’s stance. Saar’s office reported that he informed Barrot there was “no place” for Macron’s visit while France “continues its efforts and initiatives that are damaging to Israel’s interests.”
The minister asserted that acknowledging Palestine would compromise Israel’s security, emphasizing that Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is “not a trustworthy partner for discussions.”
Previously, Israel’s public broadcaster Kan had reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu turned down Macron’s offer for a short visit before the forthcoming UN General Assembly session. An anonymous Israeli official told the network, “We will not permit Macron to pursue conflicting agendas.”
Macron has committed to recognizing the State of Palestine at the General Assembly this month, while also urging an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages. He has rejected Netanyahu’s assertions that this step would encourage antisemitism.
Both European nations and the UN have implored Israel to permit a greater influx of humanitarian assistance into Gaza, a region where over 64,000 Palestinians have died since October 2023. Israel has vowed to deliver more aid, but not via distribution points it claims are managed by Hamas.