French President Emmanuel Macron, fresh off declaring his intent to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in New York, asked to visit Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s answer was stark: Macron is not welcome unless he backs down.

The rebuff comes as Macron positions France at the heart of global efforts to advance a two-state solution. Teaming up with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, he plans to co-chair a major UN conference on September 22 aimed at rallying support for Palestinian statehood.

France’s Line

As of lately, Macron has sharpened his tone, blasting Washington’s decision to block visas for Palestinian representatives ahead of the UN gathering, calling it “unacceptable.” He laid out France’s vision: a permanent ceasefire, the release of all Israeli hostages, massive humanitarian aid for Gaza, and an international stabilization force. He insists Hamas must be disarmed and excluded from governing Gaza, while the Palestinian Authority is strengthened to lead reconstruction.