French President Emmanuel Macron is heading to Israel tomorrow, Tuesday, at a sensitive stage in its conflict with Hamas, bringing proposals and calling for a humanitarian ceasefire despite the imminent ground attack on Gaza. His advisers stated that in addition to expressing solidarity with Israel, Macron aims to present "as practical proposals as possible" to prevent escalation, secure the release of hostages, ensure Israel's security, and work towards a two-state solution.
Macron sharpened his enthusiastic tone ahead of the visit, telling reporters that he would not travel to the region unless he believed the visit would be "beneficial." One of Macron's advisers refrained from clarifying what those proposals entail, merely stating in a press conference that there are ways to ensure Israel does not feel alone in its fight against terrorism.
Macron will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, and centrist leaders Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid from the opposition. Although he has made phone calls and spoken with leaders from Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Qatar following the Hamas attack on Israel, his visit comes later than those of his counterparts from the United States, Britain, Germany, and Italy.
Macron's ability to influence developments in the region appears to be limited now due to what some analysts describe as a shift towards a more Anglophone American stance supportive of Israel, contrasting with the traditionally more pro-Arab Gaullist French approach. Macron pledged in a statement broadcast on French television that France "will not abandon any of its children" in Gaza. He expressed hopes that Qatari mediation could assist in securing the release of hostages.
