The Israeli government has vehemently condemned France’s decision to recognize the State of Palestine, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressing deep concerns about the potential consequences.
In a strongly worded statement on his official X handle, Netanyahu said, “We strongly condemn President Macron’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state next to Tel Aviv in the wake of the October 7 massacre.”
Netanyahu warned that such a move would reward terrorism and potentially create another Iranian proxy in the region, similar to Gaza. “Such a move rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became,” he stated. The Israeli Prime Minister emphasized that a Palestinian state in the current conditions would pose an existential threat to Israel, rather than a partner for peace. “A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel — not to live in peace beside it,” Netanyahu asserted. “Let’s be clear: the Palestinians do not seek a state alongside Israel; they seek a state instead of Israel.”
In contrast, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will formally recognize the State of Palestine, citing the country’s “historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.” Macron stated, “Consistent with its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognise the State of Palestine.” The formal announcement will be made at the United Nations General Assembly in September, Macron added. “I will make this solemn announcement before the United Nations General Assembly this coming September,” he said.
Macron also emphasized the urgent need to end the war in Gaza, provide humanitarian assistance, and secure the region. “The urgent priority today is to end the war in Gaza and to bring relief to the civilian population,” he wrote. “We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and massive humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. We must also ensure the demilitarization of Hamas, secure and rebuild Gaza.” Macron stressed that the future Palestinian state must be committed to peace and coexistence, with full recognition of Israel.
France’s decision to recognize the State of Palestine brings the number of countries that have taken this step to at least 146. However, the United States, a long-time ally of Israel, has notably withheld such recognition. In April 2024, the U.S. blocked a draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council that would have enabled a General Assembly vote on granting Palestine full U.N. membership.
The potential implications of Macron’s move on relations with Washington remain unclear, as the U.S. continues to resist international efforts to formally recognize Palestinian statehood amidst the prolonged and deadly conflict between Israel and Palestine. It is uncertain whether France’s decision will further complicate relations between the two countries.
The recognition of Palestinian statehood by France has sparked a significant diplomatic shift, with potential implications for the Middle East peace process and international relations. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community will be watching closely to see how this development affects the region.
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