Israel has issued a clear warning to France over its decision to recognize a Palestinian state. The country's foreign minister, Gideon Saar, said President Emmanuel Macron would not be welcome in Israel if Paris goes ahead with the recognition plan.

According to a statement from Israel's foreign ministry, Saar told French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot in a phone call that "there is no room" for Macron's visit. He explained that any recognition of Palestinian statehood directly harms Israel's national and security interests.

The move comes after reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu already rejected Macron's request to visit before the upcoming UN General Assembly. Macron is expected to use the UN platform to formally declare France's recognition of Palestine.

Saar urged Paris to reconsider the initiative, stressing that Israel values good relations with France but expects respect on issues tied to its long-term security. He warned that pushing forward with recognition would destabilize the region and weaken peace efforts.

Tensions between France and Israel have been growing for weeks. Last month, Netanyahu accused Macron of encouraging antisemitism, a charge Paris strongly denied, calling the remarks "abject" and "false." The diplomatic spat has added strain to already sensitive relations between the two nations.

France would join at least 145 UN member states that already recognize or plan to recognize Palestine. Macron defended the move by saying the urgent priority is ending the Gaza war and building a Palestinian state that guarantees security for all in the Middle East.

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