As next month’s international diplomatic summit in New York, initiated by France and Saudi Arabia, approaches, the mood in Jerusalem is cautiously optimistic. According to a report on Ynet, quoting French diplomatic sources, French President Emmanuel Macron is not expected to declare recognition of a Palestinian state during the summit.
This development is seen in Israel as a significant diplomatic achievement, especially at a time of high security and political sensitivity.
No Declaration: “Launching a Process”
The summit, which will be held under UN auspices, was presented by Paris as an initiative to promote an “irreversible political process.” However, French diplomatic sources clarified: there is no intention to impose anything on Israel. “The summit is not a platform for pressure, but a call for dialogue,” they said.
According to reports, the United States will remain involved—but not as a leading partner. France and Saudi Arabia will spearhead the forum, which will include many countries, but no decisive move regarding recognition of a Palestinian state is expected.
Setting Principles, Not Imposing
Paris clarified that discussions will focus on strengthening the Palestinian Authority while weakening Hamas, ensuring regional security, advancing mutual recognition and normalization between Arab states and Israel. In addition, there will be an expression of support for the Palestinian aspiration for statehood—without committing to official or immediate recognition.
In other words, the conference will be a diplomatic gathering, without practical steps that contradict Israel’s position.
Jerusalem Maintains a Firm Line
Jerusalem has made it clear to France that any unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state will be met with firm countermeasures, including the possible extension of Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria or the closure of the French consulate in East Jerusalem. However, France’s current avoidance of unilateral steps highlights Israel’s success in blocking diplomatic moves that could harm its interests.
U.S. Support: “No Reward for Terror”
Meanwhile, the United States continues to back Israel’s position. U.S. Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations, John Kelley, emphasized during a Security Council session: “Unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state would be an unacceptable reward for Hamas’ murderous attack.”
At this stage, Israel can consider it a diplomatic success as there will be no unilateral recognition, no imposed solutions—and continued international support for the principle that a final-status agreement must be reached by mutual consent. Under current conditions, this is an achievement—even if much behind-the-scenes effort will still be needed to maintain it.
