Skip to main content

Another diplomatic misstep? Low expectations for Macron's conference

1 min Mena Today

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Tuesday a joint initiative with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to co-chair a major conference aimed at advancing the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Emmanuel Macron © Mena Today 

Emmanuel Macron © Mena Today 

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Tuesday a joint initiative with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to co-chair a major conference aimed at advancing the establishment of a Palestinian state. Scheduled for June next year, the conference seeks to revitalize the stalled two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Speaking from Paris, Macron emphasized the importance of renewed diplomatic efforts to secure peace in the region. 

"We have decided to co-chair a conference focused on the two-state solution," Macron said, referring to the coexistence of Israel and a future Palestinian state. He underscored the need to combine diplomatic initiatives in the coming months to ensure broad support for the initiative.

President Macron affirmed his commitment to recognizing a Palestinian state but stressed the importance of timing. "Recognition will come at the right moment," he said, noting that it should be part of a broader reciprocal process that includes acknowledgment and assurances for Israel's security.

Simultaneously, Macron highlighted the importance of encouraging a movement of recognition towards Israel, describing this as essential for fostering regional security and trust. "This could convince stakeholders that the two-state solution is not just viable but also beneficial for Israel," he added.

The French president also revealed plans to involve a wide range of international partners, both European and non-European, in the initiative. "We aim to mobilize global support, leveraging France's diplomatic leadership to bring together allies ready to commit to this path," Macron stated.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a key regional player, has signaled his full support for the initiative. His involvement highlights Saudi Arabia's growing role in Middle Eastern diplomacy and its efforts to balance regional alliances while pursuing normalization agreements with Israel.

French President Emmanuel Macron's foreign policy is unclear and inconsistent. France has lost its influence in the Middle East.

This initiative is highly likely to fail, much like those undertaken since October 7, 2023.

In Israel, leaders do not place much trust in Emmanuel Macron.

Related

Iran

The lull is over: US and Iran strike each other again

The U.S. and Iran found themselves back in a war footing on Wednesday after the most significant exchange in weeks, with Washington threatening even more devastating strikes while Iran protested an attack that it said killed five and wounded dozens of civilians at a wedding.

Syria

Nuclear watchdog: Progress with Syria, stalemate with Iran

The U.N. nuclear watchdog has resolved its outstanding questions from an investigation into secret nuclear activities in Syria under the Assad family's rule but made no progress in Iran, it said on Tuesday in confidential reports seen by Reuters.

Hamas

Israeli commandos capture Hamas official

Israeli special forces captured a Hamas militant leader in a raid in Gaza City on Tuesday while Israeli air strikes meant to protect those troops killed four Palestinians, authorities said.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Mena banner 4

To make this website run properly and to improve your experience, we use cookies. For more detailed information, please check our Cookie Policy.

  • Necessary cookies enable core functionality. The website cannot function properly without these cookies, and can only be disabled by changing your browser preferences.