Israel intends to respond to France’s recognition of the Palestinian state

France is preparing for decisive actions by Israel in connection with President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement of the recognition of Palestine, which is expected at the UN General Assembly on September 22, 2025. This decision will mark a new stage in relations between the two countries.

Israel’s Countermeasures

According to information from European officials and a source familiar with the position of the Israeli government, Israel is considering several countermeasures. These may include accelerated annexation of the West Bank, closure of the French consulate in Jerusalem, and even invasion of territories belonging to France in Israel, especially at the Eleona sanctuary.

Statements by Israeli Officials

Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel confirmed that the issue of closing the French consulate, which has been operating since 1948, has already been discussed at the government level. A person familiar with the position of the Israeli leadership stated that the main issue is not whether measures will be taken, but their scale.

France’s Position

Karim Amellal, former French ambassador for Mediterranean affairs, emphasized that Israel will act decisively in response to such statements. A European diplomat added that, regardless of reactions, relations between France and Israel will noticeably deteriorate.

International Consequences

Talks about recognizing Palestine began after Macron stated that he aims to make this a step for other Western countries. He already surprised many when he announced his intention, and several countries, including Canada and the United Kingdom, followed his example. This event took place at the two-state conference within the framework of the UN General Assembly.

Financial Pressure on Israel

Macron’s initiative wavers amid efforts by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who announced plans on September 17 to impose sanctions based on identified human rights violations in Gaza. This caused a storm of indignation from Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, who accused von der Leyen of supporting terrorists.

Personal Tension

Relations between Israel and France have also been complicated by personal clashes between Macron and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The latter accused the French president of igniting “anti-Semitic fire” with his intention to recognize the Palestinian state, to which Macron sharply responded, refuting the accusations.

Expected Measures from France

The French side has intensified initiatives in case of retaliatory actions from Israel. According to reports from Le Figaro, options being considered include closing the Israeli consulate in France and expelling Israeli spies.

In conclusion, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution focusing on “specific, temporary, and irreversible steps” towards the conflict based on the “two-state” model, before the scheduled meeting date of September 22.