Emmanuel Macron meets the King of Jordan this Wednesday and must speak with the President of Egypt. His proposal to mobilize the international coalition against ISIS to “fight against Hamas” surprised many.
Two weeks after the Hamas attack on Israel, which has since generated numerous responses from the Jewish state in the Gaza Strip, thus sparking a sharp increase in tensions in the Middle East, but also throughout the world, Emmanuel Macron is expected on Tuesday October 24, 2023 in Israel. A trip to Tel Aviv which will be particularly scrutinized while the war between Israel and Hamas is not without consequences in France.
Since the start of the conflict, skirmishes between women and politicians have continued to multiply, as evidenced by the one between Jean-Luc Mélenchon and Yaël Braun-Pivet this Monday. Likewise, almost everywhere in the streets of the country, demonstrations in favor of the different camps were also organized in large numbers. All in a context of growing insecurity, marked by the attack in Arras and the attack in Brussels which led the authorities to place France in a state of emergency.
Note also that Emmanuel Macron will have to, during this trip to Israel, take care of the different parties in order not to offend any of his international partners, the United States defending, for example, the interests of the Hebrew state while the states of the Middle East and the Maghreb are rather committed to the Palestinian cause.
So, concretely, what to expect from Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Israel? Monday evening, the Élysée gave a small preview, revealing in particular that the President of the French Republic will call on Tuesday for the “resumption of a genuine peace process.” If Emmanuel Macron intends to express Paris’ solidarity with Israel and the French people of Israel, the head of state also wishes to discuss the creation of a Palestinian state, alongside the Hebrew state.
The creation of a Palestinian state would also involve “stopping colonization” in the West Bank, the presidential palace said. “The only way to be useful is: 1- To bring solidarity to Israel. 2- To make very clear commitments against terrorist groups. 3- To reopen a political perspective,” lists the Élysée in its communicated.
Note that the issue of French hostages held by Hamas should also be addressed during Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Israel. Visit during which the head of state is to meet with the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. As a reminder, to date, seven French nationals are possibly being held by Hamas. However, “young Mia Shem is the only one whose hostage status is confirmed.” Emmanuel Macron, however, regularly promises the families of French hostages that Paris will do everything “so that they return safe and sound”.
