Israel FM says no Macron visit until France drops plans to recognise Palestinian state

Israel's foreign minister said Thursday that his government would not agree to a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron so long as Paris plans to recognise a Palestinian state.

A statement from Israel's foreign ministry said Gideon Saar told France's top diplomat Jean-Noel Barrot in a phone call that "there is no room" for a presidential visit "as long as France persists in its initiative and efforts that harm Israel's interests".

Paris should "reconsider its initiative" to recognise a Palestinian state later this month, Saar said according to the statement, arguing that such a move would undermine regional stability and harm "Israel's national and security interests".