Macron’s Palestine Gambit Draws Fire from Tel Aviv and Washington

News Desk

Paris/New York: French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday that France will officially recognise the State of Palestine during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September, marking a significant diplomatic move aimed at reviving momentum for a two-state solution in the Middle East.

In a letter shared on social media platform X and addressed to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Macron confirmed France’s intention to press ahead with the recognition and called on international partners to do the same.

“True to its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognise the State of Palestine,” Macron said. “I will make this solemn announcement at the United Nations General Assembly next September.”

France, home to Europe’s largest Jewish and Muslim populations, will become the first major Western power to recognise Palestinian statehood, a move that has so far been largely supported by smaller countries more critical of Israel.

The announcement drew immediate and angry reactions from Israel and the United States.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned France’s plan, calling it a reward for terrorism that risks emboldening Iran-backed elements in the region. “A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel — not to live in peace beside it,” Netanyahu said.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz echoed the criticism, describing France’s decision as “a disgrace and a surrender to terrorism,” warning that Israel would not allow the creation of a Palestinian entity that could threaten its national security.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also rejected the plan, saying it would damage prospects for peace. “This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace. It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th,” Rubio posted on X.

Canada Urges Ceasefire, Criticises Israel

While opposing unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney criticised Israel’s actions in Gaza, citing humanitarian concerns and blocked aid deliveries.

“Canada calls on all sides to negotiate an immediate ceasefire in good faith,” Carney said. He also reaffirmed Canada’s support for a two-state solution and urged Hamas to release hostages.

In a diplomatic cable in June, the United States warned that unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood could contradict US policy and result in diplomatic consequences.

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee later said that an independent Palestinian state was no longer a clear policy goal of Washington.

Global Pushback

President Macron has reportedly been considering the recognition move for several months as part of efforts to keep the two-state solution alive despite ongoing conflict. French and Saudi officials had initially planned a UN-sponsored conference in June to discuss a roadmap to Palestinian statehood, but the event was delayed due to the Israel-Iran air war and US pressure.

The conference was rescheduled for July 28–29 as a ministerial-level event, with a second high-level gathering expected on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September. Macron’s announcement aims to build diplomatic momentum ahead of these talks and push other hesitant countries to take similar steps.

France’s decision has faced opposition from allies including Britain and Canada. Diplomats say Israeli officials have engaged in months of lobbying to dissuade Paris from moving forward, warning of serious diplomatic fallout, including reduced intelligence sharing and potential annexation of parts of the West Bank.

Palestinian Authority Welcomes Move

In response to France’s announcement, Palestinian Authority Vice President Hussein Al Sheikh thanked Macron and called the move a step forward for peace and justice. “France’s decision reflects its commitment to international law and its support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination,” Al Sheikh said on X.

Israel has been engaged in a devastating war in Gaza since October 2023, following a deadly Hamas-led attack. Israeli officials argue that recognising Palestinian statehood at this time effectively rewards Hamas.

Despite fierce backlash, Macron’s move signals a bold diplomatic shift that could reshape international discourse on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict ahead of a critical UN gathering in September.