A say after the report in Israel Hayom said Israel might shut down the Consulate General of France in Jerusalem in retaliation for Paris' move toward recognition of Palestinian statehood, the French Foreign Ministry said on Monday that it was not aware of any plan to close its consulate in the Israeli capital. A French Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Monday, "We have not been informed by the Israeli authorities of such a measure, which would be particularly damaging to our bilateral relationship and would provoke a strong reaction."
On Sunday, Israel Hayom exclusively revealed that Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar advised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to shut down the French consulate in Jerusalem due to France's recent moves toward unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state. The cabinet is expected to make a formal decision soon, following discussions during its recent meeting.
Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli stated during the cabinet meeting that French President Emmanuel Macron's actions "severely harmed the hostages and the State of Israel." He further argued that "drastic measures are required against France, starting with nationalizing its assets in Jerusalem, particularly the consulate's closure." Sa'ar confirmed that this option is under serious consideration and noted he had provided a detailed recommendation to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to follow through.
On July 25, Macron announced on X that France would recognize a Palestinian state, with the decision to be formalized at the United Nations General Assembly in September. "Faithful to its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine," Emmanuel Macron said, attaching the letter sent to Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas. Although France's declaration lacks immediate practical impact, it is likely to encourage further international recognition of a Palestinian state by other nations and organizations.
