Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said that a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to Israel will not take place until Paris abandons its intention to recognize the State of Palestine, Agence France-Presse reported, quoted by BTA.
Saar spoke with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, urging France to reconsider its initiative. “As long as France continues to make efforts and take initiatives that contradict Israel's interests, Macron's visit to Israel will not take place“, he said.
In late July, Macron announced that France would recognize the State of Palestine during the UN General Assembly session in September. This has heightened tensions between Paris and Tel Aviv, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accusing the French leader of "inciting anti-Semitic sentiments."
Israeli public television reported that Netanyahu had already rejected Macron's request for a visit. Saar stressed to Barrot that the French initiative "threatens stability in the Middle East and harms Israel's national interests and security."