Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar is advancing a proposal to close France’s consulate in Jerusalem in response to President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement that Paris intends to formally recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations in September, according to a report by The Times of Israel.
An Israeli diplomat confirmed that Sa’ar raised the issue during a cabinet meeting, emphasizing the need for a strong diplomatic response. A final decision is expected in the coming days, with Israel Hayom reporting that the government is weighing the potential impact on bilateral relations.
Macron’s declaration last month has already prompted several Western nations to signal similar intentions, reflecting a coordinated push to formalize Palestinian statehood through international recognition. The move has drawn sharp criticism in Israel, where officials argue that unilateral recognition undermines negotiations and rewards Palestinian factions that continue to engage in armed conflict.
France maintains a long-standing presence in Jerusalem, with its consulate-general dating back to the 17th century. The current building, inaugurated in 1932, has symbolized France’s historic role in the Holy Land. Like seven other European countries — the United Kingdom, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Belgium, Spain, and Sweden — France operates its consulate without official diplomatic accreditation to Israel. Instead, the mission handles relations with the Palestinian Authority and oversees a range of issues within Jerusalem.
Closing the French consulate would mark a significant shift in Israel’s approach to foreign missions in the city. The United States shuttered its own Jerusalem consulate in 2019 after relocating its embassy from Tel Aviv to Israel’s capital, a move that was widely welcomed by the Israeli government but opposed by Palestinian leadership.
The latest development underscores the deepening rift between Israel and parts of Europe over the Palestinian question. Macron’s decision to tie recognition to a UN platform has elevated tensions at a sensitive moment, as Israel continues its war in Gaza and faces escalating threats from Hezbollah in Lebanon and Houthi militants in Yemen.
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