French PM pulls out of planned Israel visit
French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe has cancelled a planned trip to Israel, an official at his office said on Wednesday, adding that the reason was domestic policy matters to be tended to in the coming days.
Philippe was supposed to arrive for a two-day visit starting May 31, to launch the Israeli-French cultural season.
Israeli officials said the cited reason was merely a pretext, with the real reason being Israel's actions in Gaza and the fear of how such a visit may be perceived in France.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is similarly expected to visit France in two weeks' time to meet with President Emmanuel Macron.
