Israel has rejected a proposed visit by French President Emmanuel Macron due to his plan to formally recognize Palestinian statehood. According to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, there is “no room” for Macron’s visit as long as France persists in its initiative, which Israel believes harms its interests. Saar conveyed this message to his French counterpart, Jean-Noel Barrot, during a phone call on Thursday.

The Israeli government has expressed concerns that recognizing Palestine would undermine its security, with Saar arguing that Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is not a reliable partner for dialogue. This development comes after Israel’s public broadcaster Kan reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had declined Macron’s proposal for a brief visit before the upcoming UN General Assembly session.

Macron has vowed to recognize the State of Palestine at the General Assembly later this month, while calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages. He has dismissed claims that the move would fuel antisemitism, despite Israeli opposition. The situation in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of over 64,000 Palestinians since October 2023, prompting European countries and the UN to urge Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into the region.

Israel has promised to provide more aid but has refused to do so through distribution centers it claims are controlled by Hamas. The French president’s plan to recognize Palestine has sparked tension between Israel and France, with an unnamed Israeli official stating that Israel will not allow Macron to “have it both ways.” The situation is likely to escalate further at the UN General Assembly, where Macron is expected to pursue his plan despite Israeli objections.