French president arrives in Tel Aviv for talks on Middle East conflict

RAMALLAH – French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Tel Aviv on Tuesday morning to meet with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former defense minister Benny Gantz and main opposition leader Yair Lapid.

Macron and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are due to hold a joint press conference at noon Paris time (10:00 GMT), according to France 24 channel.

The French president also aims to continue efforts “to avoid a dangerous escalation in the region”, according to a French presidential statement.

Macron will propose relaunching a “genuine peace process”, with the aim of creating a viable Palestinian state.

There will also probably be exchanges with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, King Abdullah II of Jordan, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, and leaders of Gulf nations, according to a French presidential office.