French President Emmanuel Macron is intensifying efforts to promote international recognition of a Palestinian state while increasing diplomatic pressure on Israel, according to an analysis by former Israeli ambassador Freddy Eytan
Macron is organizing an international gathering in Paris on June 12 focused on advancing the two-state solution. However, the conference will not constitute direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, and the Israeli government was reportedly neither invited nor consulted.
The French president has also met Israeli opposition figure Yair Golan during Israel’s election period, raising accusations that Paris is interfering in Israel’s internal politics. France formally recognized a Palestinian state at the United Nations in September 2025.
The analysis argues that Macron is attempting to impose decisions on the core issues of the conflict while ignoring the security consequences for Israel following the October 7 massacre. It also notes French sanctions and restrictions against Israelis, including efforts to prevent Israeli manufacturers from displaying offensive weapons at the Eurosatory defense exhibition.
