Israel cancels potential Macron visit over Palestinian recognition

Israel has cancelled a potential visit by France’s President Emmanuel Macron because Paris plans to recognize a Palestinian state, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said in a phone call with his French counterpart Jean-Noël Barrot on Thursday.

His ministry said that Sa’ar urged Barrot to reconsider the initiative to recognize a Palestinian state, saying the French proposal undermines stability in the Middle East and threatens Israel’s national and security interests.

He said as long as Paris persists in its initiative and efforts that harm Israel’s interests, there is no room for Macron’s visit to Israel.

Official plans for a possible Macron visit to Israel were not known.

He accused France of having taken “a series of anti-Israeli steps and positions” recently.

Several countries including France, Canada and Australia plan to recognize a Palestinian state in September.

Macron announced Paris’ plans in July. The Israeli government responded with sharp condemnation.