Political Rift: Foreign Ministry Rebukes French Embassy in Israel
Israel rebuked the French embassy following Macron's declaration of intent to recognize a Palestinian state. The Foreign Ministry Director-General summoned the deputy ambassador for a meeting and made clear: "France is harming Israel in its difficult hour."
Diplomatic crisis between Jerusalem and Paris: The Israeli Foreign Ministry announced today that the French embassy in Israel was severely rebuked, following statements by French President Emmanuel Macron about his intention to recognize a Palestinian state. As part of the Israeli response, the French deputy ambassador in Israel was summoned for an exceptional rebuke meeting.
Foreign Ministry Director-General Eden Bar-Tal held the meeting with the head of the French embassy, and expressed firm protest over Macron's statements. According to Bar-Tal, the French president's declaration is "a direct blow to Israel in its most difficult hour," and that this is a unilateral step that does not contribute to regional stability.
The Foreign Ministry emphasizes that any attempt at unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state - especially by central countries like France - constitutes strengthening of extremist elements, and harms the chance of renewing genuine political negotiations.
The rebuke meeting comes after Macron declared in recent days that France would examine political steps to recognize a Palestinian state, as part of preparation for a UN summit on the issue, led by France and Saudi Arabia.