Israel Refuses to Host French President

Israel has refused to host French President Emmanuel Macron, who had planned to visit the country. According to several Israeli media outlets, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to meet the Elysee Palace head only if he renounced his intention to recognize the state of Palestine, which the French president could not do without losing credibility.

At the 80th session of the UN General Assembly (GA), starting on September 9, France hopes to lead efforts alongside Saudi Arabia to push for the elevation of Palestine's official status. However, Netanyahu's government has prepared countermeasures.