Israel Rejects Macron’s Visit Over Palestinian Recognition Stance
Israel has rejected a proposed visit by French President Emmanuel Macron due to his plan to formally recognize Palestinian statehood, with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stating there’s “no room” for the visit as long as France persists in its efforts that harm Israel’s interests. The minister argued that recognizing Palestine would undermine Israel’s security, insisting that Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is “not a reliable partner for dialogue." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also declined Macron’s proposal for a brief visit before the UN General Assembly session, with an unnamed Israeli official stating “We will not allow Macron to have it both ways.” Macron has vowed to recognize the State of Palestine at the General Assembly later this month, while calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and for the release of Israeli hostages.
Earlier, Israel’s public broadcaster Kan reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had declined Macron’s proposal for a brief visit before the upcoming UN General Assembly session. “We will not allow Macron to have it both ways,” an unnamed Israeli official told the network. Macron has vowed to recognize the State of Palestine at the General Assembly later this month, while calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and for the release of Israeli hostages. He has dismissed Netanyahu’s claims that the move would fuel antisemitism.
European countries and the UN have urged Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza, where more than 64,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023. Israel has promised to provide more aid but not through distribution centers it says are controlled by Hamas.