Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly condemned France’s decision to recognise Palestinian statehood, calling it a move that “rewards terror” and endangers Israel’s security. His remarks came shortly after French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would formally recognise Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September.
“Let’s be clear: the Palestinians do not seek a state alongside Israel; they seek a state instead of Israel,” Netanyahu said, warning that such recognition could pave the way for another Iranian proxy and become “a launch pad to annihilate Israel.”
Macron, in a post on X, defended the move as part of France’s commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. He called for an end to the war in Gaza, protection of civilians, and the creation of a demilitarised, viable Palestinian state that fully recognises Israel. France is now the most influential European nation among 142 countries recognising Palestine.
