In an interview with British newspaper The Telegraph, Saar, published on April 19, 2025, called this move by Paris a “massive mistake” that undermines the negotiation process and forces Israel to act on its own. He said if France attempts to determine in advance the outcome of future consultations on the status of Palestinian territory, Israel could respond with similar measures, including steps aimed at strengthening control of the conflict zone.
Asked by journalists about the possibility of annexation of the West Bank, Saa stressed that unilateral perceptions of Palestinians encouraged Israel to take similar actions, as he did not rule out such a scenario. He noted that conflict zones, including the West Bank, were subject to negotiations, and that outside players’ attempts to impose their positions have attempted to undermine Israel’s position. Saa also warned that Palestinian influence would weaken Paris’ influence in the Middle East and reduce the prospects for achieving peace. This is to help Palestinians compromise and remove incentives to engage in dialogue.
Saar’s statement corresponds to recent debates in France regarding the possibility of Palestine recognition. In March 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron saw Paris as a way to resume the peace process based on the principles of “two states of two, two states.”
France, along with other European countries such as Spain and Ireland, is actively supporting the idea of the Palestinian state, which is strongly opposed to Israel. In recent months, European diplomats have increased pressure on Israel to resume negotiations with Palestinian authorities, which have been stagnant since the escalation of the conflict in Gaza in 2023, according to Al Jazeera.
MNA