Israel Urges France to Reconsider Palestinian State Recognition Amid Middle East Tensions

France's planned recognition of Palestinian statehood aims to support a two-state solution and promote peace, according to former French Defense Minister Florence Parly. This move is part of a broader European effort, with countries including Belgium, the UK, Canada, and Australia also considering recognition at the upcoming UN General Assembly. However, Israel strongly opposes France's initiative, with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar urging his French counterpart to withdraw the plan, warning that French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Israel would be unwelcome as long as the recognition remains on the agenda. Sa’ar emphasized that the French initiative undermines Middle East stability and harms Israel's national and security interests, while expressing distrust of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas as a dialogue partner. The diplomatic tensions reflect broader regional conflicts, including the ongoing war in Gaza and related international legal cases against Israeli officials. Despite Israel's position, France and other European nations proceed with recognition efforts, viewing it as a political and moral act toward resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.