Humiliated: Macron Wanted to Visit Israel — Netanyahu Said No
A French push for Palestinian statehood collides with Israeli resistance, U.S. visa bans, and a UN showdown. The Middle East’s diplomatic map may be redrawn — and key players risk being left out.
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What began as routine diplomacy quickly escalated into confrontation. French President Emmanuel Macron, fresh off declaring his intent to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in New York, asked to visit Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s answer was stark: Macron is not welcome unless he backs down.
The rebuff comes as Macron positions France at the heart of global efforts to advance a two-state solution. Teaming up with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, he plans to co-chair a major UN conference on September 22 aimed at rallying support for Palestinian statehood.
France’s Line
As of lately, Macron has sharpened his tone, blasting Washington’s decision to block visas for Palestinian representatives ahead of the UN gathering, calling it “unacceptable.” He laid out France’s vision: a permanent ceasefire, the release of all Israeli hostages, massive humanitarian aid for Gaza, and an international stabilization force. He insists Hamas must be disarmed and excluded from governing Gaza, while the Palestinian Authority is strengthened to lead reconstruction.
As of lately, the Israeli response was immediate and fierce. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar accused Macron of obsessing over Palestinian visas while ignoring systemic incitement against Jews in Palestinian schools and the “pay for slay” policy that rewards convicted terrorists and their families.
“Macron tries to intervene from the outside in a conflict he’s not part of, detached from the reality after October 7,” Sa’ar warned. “His actions are dangerous. They will bring neither peace nor security.”
The U.S. has already acted to limit Palestinian visibility at the UN.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio canceled visas for senior officials from the Palestinian Authority and the PLO, citing American law forbidding recognition of a Palestinian state and sanctioning entities that support terror.
“Before we can take them seriously,” U.S. State Department spokesperson Tomi Piggott said, “the Palestinian Authority and PLO must denounce terrorism, abandon lawfare in The Hague, and drop unilateral recognition campaigns.”
Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon summed up the moment: “There is moral clarity from President Trump and Secretary Rubio, you cannot be terror supporters and still claim a seat at the UN.”