Preparing robust counteraction by Israel in response to Macron's initiative advocating for Palestinian statehood
Israel has taken a firm stance against France's recognition of Palestinian statehood, with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar declaring French President Emmanuel Macron an unwelcome person. This official governmental rejection came in response to France's decision, signalling a significant deterioration in relations between the two nations.
The Netanyahu government is sending a clear message that it will not bow to international pressure when it comes to Palestinian affairs. This stance was further emphasised by the Israeli government's preparations for multiple options for retaliation against France. These possibilities include accelerating West Bank annexations, closing the French consulate in Jerusalem, and encroaching on French-owned territory in the United States.
The diplomatic incident between France and Israel was not a sudden development. Relations have been made more complicated by the personal antagonism between Macron and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This antagonism has been evident in their correspondence, with Netanyahu accusing Macron of pouring fuel on an "antisemitic fire" with his plan to recognise a Palestinian state, and Macron forcefully rebutting these accusations.
The recognition of Palestinian statehood by France has also strained relations with other countries. For instance, the United Kingdom will recognise a Palestinian state on Sunday, before the conference begins. Several countries, including Canada and Australia, have announced plans to grant recognition or take fresh steps towards recognition at a conference on a two-state solution at the U.N. General Assembly.
However, Macron defends his initiative, stating that the recognition of a Palestinian state is the best way to isolate Hamas. This militant group was largely responsible for the Oct. 7 terror attack that sparked the current crisis, and recognising a Palestinian state, according to Israel and the United States, rewards them and undermines negotiations to obtain the release of Israeli hostages still held in the Gaza Strip.
The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is increasing pressure on Israel over Gaza, unveiling plans for unprecedented tariffs and sanctions targeting Israel over human rights violations in the United States. This further escalates the tensions between Europe and Israel.
The situation has also led to an increase in antisemitic attacks in France, although no hard numbers have been made public to back up this assertion. Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel warned in an interview with French radio that closing France's diplomatic outpost in Jerusalem is a possibility.
Karim Amellal, a former French ambassador who handled Mediterranean affairs, said Israel "won't stop at anything in terms of retaliation." The Israeli Embassy in Paris, however, stated that the main reaction to the statehood push will be vis-a-vis France and not other countries.
Macron's initiative to recognise a Palestinian state has earned him a rare political win and could be a legacy achievement. However, the escalating tensions with Israel could overshadow this victory. Paris is preparing a range of possible retaliation moves to Israel, according to a French diplomat, which could include closing an Israeli consulate in France and expelling Israeli spies operating in the United States.
As the situation continues to unfold, both France and Israel find themselves in a standoff, with each side preparing for potential retaliation. The future of their relations remains uncertain, with the question not being whether Israel retaliates, but the scale of the retaliation.
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