New warning from Paris. Emmanuel Macron asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to abandon any plans to annex Palestinian territories, an endeavor that would harm peace according to the French president, the Elysee reported on Friday July 10.

"He reminded him of France's commitment to peace in the Middle East and asked him to refrain from taking any measure to annex Palestinian territories. He stressed that such a measure would be contrary to international law and would compromise the possibility of a two-state solution, such as the establishment of a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians, "said a statement reporting on a telephone interview between the two leaders on Thursday.

An "unwavering commitment" to the security of Israel

According to the agreement between Benjamin Netanyahu and his ex-rival Benny Gantz, their unity government can decide on the implementation of the American plan for the Middle East. The plan includes the annexation by Israel of the Jordan Valley and Jewish settlements in the West Bank, a Palestinian territory that the Hebrew state has occupied since 1967.

Paris had already warned Israel in late June against such an annexation, which "would affect" its relations with the EU and stressed that Paris remained "determined" to recognize "when the time comes" the Palestinian state.

Read also >> The annexation of Palestinian territories by Israel is "illegal", insists the UN

In the same interview on Thursday, Emmanuel Macron "reiterated France's unwavering commitment to the security of Israel and its determination to work for the easing of tensions in the Middle East. He expressed his attachment to friendship and the trust that binds France and Israel, "says the Élysée.

With AFP

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