They say it could deepen Western splits, not only within the already-divided European Union, but also with the United States, Israel's staunchest ally, and would need to be accompanied by other measures such as sanctions and trade bans if recognition were to be anything more than a symbolic gesture. 

French officials are weighing up the move ahead of a United Nations (UN) conference, which France and Saudi Arabia are co-hosting it, in June 17 to 20, to lay out the parameters for a roadmap to a Palestinian state, while ensuring Israel's security. 

If Macron went ahead, France, home to Europe's largest Jewish and Muslim communities, would become the first Western heavyweight to recognise a Palestinian state, potentially giving greater momentum to a movement hitherto dominated by smaller nations that are generally more critical of Israel.

"If France moves, several European countries will follow," Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide told Reuters. 

Macron's stance has shifted amid Israel's intensified Gaza offensive and escalating violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank, and there is a growing sense of urgency in Paris to act now before the idea of a two-state solution vanishes forever. 

Diplomats caution that while Macron now favours the move, he has yet to make a final decision, and things could change, including a potential Gaza ceasefire accord, before mid-June. 

However, his diplomats are scrambling to ensure the best conditions are in place for him to make the decision, including full assessments at the UN conference on the reform of the Palestinian Authority, disarming Hamas or future reconstruction. 

--Reuters--