Overview

• Macron told Israel’s Channel 12 that recognition is the “best way to isolate Hamas,” called Israel’s Gaza offensive a “failure,” and said Europe may debate targeted sanctions if the Gaza City operation continues.
• Israeli officials are preparing countermeasures that could include closing France’s Jerusalem consulate, accelerating West Bank annexations, and acting against French-owned sites such as the Sanctuary of the Eleona, according to multiple reports.
• France and Saudi Arabia will co-host a UN gathering where Paris will formalize recognition, following a General Assembly vote backing a French-sponsored New York Declaration 142–10 and with countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, Belgium, and New Zealand poised to move as well.
• Tensions with the U.S. deepened as Ambassador Charles Kushner was summoned over warnings that recognition would endanger Jewish life in France, and Macron told CBS the move is necessary to combat Hamas despite Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s criticism.
• France’s interior ministry instructed prefects to block Palestinian flags on public buildings next week and to refer noncompliant mayors to administrative courts, reflecting domestic sensitivities around the decision.