Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar delivers a blunt message to France—halt recognition of a Palestinian state or risk freezing diplomatic gestures, including Macron’s visit.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar issued a stern warning to France during a phone call with his French counterpart Jean-Noël Barrot on Thursday, urging Paris to drop its initiative to unilaterally recognize a so-called Palestinian state.
Sa’ar stressed that the French move directly undermines Middle East stability and gravely harms Israel’s national and security interests. He made clear that as long as France persists in such efforts, there will be “no room” for President Emmanuel Macron’s planned visit to Israel.
The minister dismissed commitments such as Mahmoud Abbas’ letter to Macron, declaring that Abbas is neither a trustworthy dialogue partner nor a legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, having avoided elections in the Palestinian Authority for nearly two decades.
“France must respect Israel’s red lines when it comes to its security and its future,” Sa’ar insisted, adding that despite Israel’s desire for strong bilateral relations, recent French positions have been openly hostile and damaging to Israel.
The two foreign ministers also reviewed pressing regional and global issues, including the humanitarian and security situation in Gaza, the activation of the “Snapback” mechanism against Iran, escalating tensions in Lebanon, and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
