Israel – Telephone conversation between Mme Catherine Colonna and her Israeli counterpart (3 April 2023]

Mme Catherine Colonna, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, spoke on the telephone today to her Israeli counterpart, Mr Eli Cohen.

The Minister reiterated the long-standing and sincere friendship uniting our two countries and France’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security.

The ministers reviewed the latest developments in the region, especially the threat emanating from Iran, which is continuing its destabilizing activities. Mme Colonna and Mr Cohen also discussed France and Israel’s efforts to face up to the consequences in the international arena of Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine.

In the face of the deteriorating situation in the West Bank and rising tensions in Jerusalem, the Minister recalled the need to refrain from any unilateral measures, in particular when it comes to settlement activity, and honour the commitments made recently in Aqaba and Sharm el-Sheikh. She also emphasized the urgent need to restore political prospects in order to achieve peace between Israelis and Palestinians, in the framework of the solution of two States living side by side in peace and security, and stressed the need to protect the historical status quo on holy sites in Jerusalem. In this context, the Minister reiterated France’s condemnation of all attacks on civilians.