French President Emmanuel Macron signaled that he intends to attach conditions to France's planned recognition of a Palestinian state next week.
In recent meetings with Jewish leaders, Macron gave the impression that recognition would not be immediate or automatic, but rather conditional. The conditions include the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza and the disarmament of Hamas.
Macron had originally announced that France's recognition would be tied to several steps by the Palestinians, but later dropped those demands. Now, it appears he is reverting to his original stance, meaning France's recognition will not take effect right away. Still, sources stressed that the president will make his final decision at the last minute.
At the same time, political turmoil in France is further complicating the process. With no functioning government in place, and likely none in the coming days, there is no authority to translate Macron's declaration, should he make one, into actual measures, sources familiar with the matter told Israel Hayom.
Macron is also timing his potential announcement at the United Nations in New York for Monday evening, coinciding with the start of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.
