Israel has threatened retaliation after France announced it would formally recognise a Palestinian state on Monday at the United Nations General Assembly.
Israeli measures under discussion include accelerating annexation in the occupied West Bank, closing the French consulate in Jerusalem, and seizing French-owned property in East Jerusalem, including the Sanctuary of Eleona, a historic Christian pilgrimage site.
The French consulate, established before Israel's creation in 1948, has long symbolised Paris's role in the region and its refusal to accept Israel's unilateral claims over Jerusalem.
Earlier this month, Israel's deputy foreign minister Sharren Haskel told French radio that shutting down the consulate was "on the table" for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Macron defies Israeli pressure
A European diplomat told Politico that relations between Paris and Tel Aviv could "deteriorate enormously", noting that Macron has been the driving force behind recognition of a Palestinian state despite Netanyahu's hostility.
France’s decision makes it the most prominent Western state to endorse Palestinian statehood.
The move has already encouraged other allies: the United Kingdom is preparing to announce recognition on Sunday, while Canada and Australia have signalled similar intentions at a two-state solution conference in New York.
Macron has framed recognition as a way to “isolate Hamas” while warning Israel against conflating Hamas with the Palestinian people.
Speaking to Israel's Channel 12 last week, Macron criticised settlement expansion as "both unfair and irresponsible", stressing that the occupied West Bank "has nothing to do with Hamas".
The initiative, months in the making, has delivered Macron a rare political win at home and abroad, but has placed France directly in Israel's crosshairs.
Israeli diplomats have accused Macron of pressuring other governments to recognise Palestine and singled him out as the main architect of the recognition push.
Europe ramps up pressure over Gaza
The French move coincides with growing pressure from Brussels. On Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced plans for unprecedented tariffs and sanctions on Israel following EU findings of grave human rights violations in Gaza.
Israeli foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar lashed out, accusing von der Leyen of "empowering terrorist groups". EU diplomats, however, insist the sanctions are a direct response to Israel's horrific military assault on Gaza, which has so far killed more than 65,000 Palestinians and left Gaza in ruins.
France is also preparing countermeasures should Israel target its diplomatic assets. According to French media, possible steps include shutting down an Israeli consulate in France or expelling Israeli intelligence agents operating in the country.