Overview

• In an interview with Israel’s Channel 12, Emmanuel Macron said Israel is “destroying totally” its image and credibility because of civilian casualties in Gaza.
• France will formally recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly on Sept. 22 as part of a coordinated push tied to the recently adopted New York Declaration that excludes Hamas from future governance.
• Macron called large‑scale operations in Gaza “totally counterproductive” and “a failure,” while noting Israel had achieved unique security gains.
• He said Israeli authorities rejected his proposal to visit before the UN session, yet he emphasized a desire to keep working with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
• Macron left open the possibility of economic sanctions if a new phase of the Gaza offensive continues, and Netanyahu accused him of fanning antisemitism in France.