Israel Insists on France's Policy Adjustment before Agreeing to Macron's Visit

In a significant development, France, Canada, and Australia have announced their plans to recognize a Palestinian state in September. This decision has been met with sharp condemnation from the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The news of the Israeli government's disapproval came without specific details about the reasons for their strong rebuke. However, it is understood that the planned recognition of a Palestinian state by France is the primary cause of concern.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced the plan in July, stating his intention to recognise a Palestinian state. However, no official plans for a possible Macron visit to Israel were known at the time.

Israel's Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, has been vocal in his opposition to France's decision. In a phone call with his French counterpart, Jean-Noël Barrot, Saar accused France of taking "a series of anti-Israeli steps and positions" recently. The exact nature of these steps and positions was not specified in the article.

Saar further stated that France's initiative undermines stability in the Middle East. He also demanded that France reconsider its recognition of a Palestinian state. In response to a potential visit by President Macron, Saar told his French counterpart that he sees "no room" for such a visit as long as France persists in its initiative.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry made a statement about the phone call, confirming the conversation between Saar and Barrot. However, there is currently no confirmed or exact date for a planned visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Israel. As long as France continues its plan to recognize a Palestinian state, Israel has publicly declined a visit from the French President.

The recognition of a Palestinian state by France, Canada, and Australia is scheduled for September. Canada and Australia, like France, are also planning to recognize a Palestinian state in September, adding to the international pressure on Israel.

This move by several countries could have significant implications for the ongoing Middle East peace process and the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As the situation develops, it is expected that more details will become available, shedding light on the motivations behind these decisions and the responses they elicit.