Israel rejects French ultimatum over recognition of Palestinian state

Israel has rejected an ultimatum set by France over the weekend to recognize a Palestinian state if Paris' efforts to break the deadlock between the warring sides fail, Israeli newspaper Yediot Ahronot reported.

France announced on Friday its intentions to organize an international peace conference to bring together Israel, the Palestinians, and their main partners - the US, EU and Arab states.

A diplomatic official wondered on Saturday night whether France was also planning on "calling for an international conference with ISIS, which commits terror attacks in Paris."

Israeli officials explained that the objection to the French initiative comes from the fact it comes in the form of a threat and an incentive to the Palestinians to reach a dead end so they could get everything they want without having to negotiate and compromise.

"This a fundamental fact and the wrong approach," said one official. "Why should the Palestinians concede even an inch at the conference if they know that if progress is not made, they'll get what they want?"

On the other hand, Israeli officials said that if France does organize an international conference, Israel will consider attending despite the "twisted" French logic, which they said was a desperate attempt by the French foreign minister to leave his mark before he steps down.

"The French know their initiative is hopeless, but they're doing anything to leave their marks and show they're a relevant player in the international arena," an Israeli source concluded.

Source: MENA