If Paris recognizes Palestinian statehood, Israel is considering taking tough measures against France.
Publika.az “Politico” reported on this with reference to European officials and experts.
According to the publication, Israel is preparing a number of countermeasures. These included accelerating the annexation of the West Bank, closing the French consulate in Jerusalem, and taking action against French-held territories, including the Christian temple of Eleon.
Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel confirmed in an interview with French radio earlier that the issue of closing the French consulate “is on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s agenda.”
Commenting on the situation, the European diplomat stated that Israel “will stop at nothing to take revenge”. He claimed that the relations between the two countries will “deteriorate significantly” in any case. He added that French President Emmanuel Macron has become the “driving force” behind this process, and the dialogue with Netanyahu has become difficult.
France intends to hold a conference on the recognition of Palestine on September 22 at the UN, regardless of the situation in Gaza and the decisions of the Israeli authorities. Macron previously stated that Paris is ready to formally recognize Palestinian statehood at the UN General Assembly.
Great Britain took a similar position: on July 29, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office announced that London would recognize Palestine before the session of the General Assembly if Israel does not stop the military operation in Gaza and continues to block humanitarian aid.
Palestine is currently recognized by 148 UN members. It has embassies and permanent missions in 95 countries.
Tural
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