JERUSALEM, ISRAEL – September 8, 2025
Diplomatic tensions between Israel and France are escalating, with Israel threatening to close the French Consulate in Jerusalem. The threat comes in response to French President Emmanuel Macron’s announced plan to formally recognize a Palestinian state during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly meeting in September. The move, which has been described by Israeli officials as a “tremendous mistake,” has triggered a strong pushback, with Israel considering “unilateral steps” in retaliation.
Headline Points
* Consulate Closure Under Consideration: Israeli officials, including Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel, have stated that closing the French Consulate in Jerusalem is “on the table.” This move would be in direct retaliation for France’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state.
* Macron’s Plan: President Macron’s July announcement makes France the first G7 leader to publicly commit to recognizing a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly. This decision has spurred similar statements from other nations, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, further angering Israel.
* A “Strong Response”: In a statement, the French Foreign Ministry warned that the closure of its consulate would “seriously harm our bilateral relations and provoke a strong response.” The French consulate in Jerusalem has a unique status, predating the founding of Israel and operating independently of the French embassy in Tel Aviv.
* No Place for Macron: The diplomatic rift has deepened to the point where Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, has told his French counterpart that President Macron will not be welcome to visit Israel as long as the plan to recognize Palestine remains on the agenda.
* Unilateral Action: Israel has warned that such moves toward recognition could “destabilize the region” and would “push Israel also to have unilateral decisions,” with some Israeli officials calling for the annexation of parts of the West Bank in response.
The diplomatic spat highlights a growing divide between Israel and several Western nations over the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While France and its allies argue that recognizing a Palestinian state is a crucial step toward a lasting peace and an end to the ongoing crisis in Gaza, Israel views it as a reward for terrorism and an action that undermines any potential for a negotiated settlement.
The French Consulate General in Jerusalem holds a unique and historically significant position. Unlike a typical consulate, it operates as a de facto mission to the Palestinian Authority, making it a key point of contact for diplomatic relations with the Palestinians. Its closure would not only be a symbolic diplomatic blow but would also severely impact France’s ability to engage with the Palestinian leadership.
The situation remains fluid, but the public threats and counter-threats signal a new level of friction between Israel and some of its closest international partners. As the UN General Assembly approaches, the world will be watching to see if France and other nations follow through on their pledges and what further retaliatory measures Israel might take in response.
