- Israel slams France’s decision to recognise Palestinian state
- Netanyahu says move could create another Iranian-backed entity
- Macron insists recognition aims to restore peace in Middle East
Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has condemned France’s decision to officially recognise the State of Palestine amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the criticism followed French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement on Wednesday via his official X handle, stating that France would support the recognition of Palestinian statehood in line with its historical commitment to peace.
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Netanyahu described the move as “a reward for Terror,” claiming it would pave the way for the creation of another Iranian proxy state, similar to Gaza.
“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 wrote on X.
He warned that a Palestinian state formed under current conditions would not seek peaceful coexistence but serve as a launch pad to destroy Israel.
“Such a move rewards Terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became,” the Prime Minister stated.
“A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel not to live in peace beside it.”
President Macron, on the other hand, said France’s recognition of Palestine aligns with its long-standing support for a just and lasting peace in the region.
He noted that a formal announcement would be made at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025.
Macron emphasised the need to end the war in Gaza, provide humanitarian aid, and demilitarise Hamas.
“The urgent priority today is to end the war in Gaza and to bring relief to the civilian population,” he said.
“We must also ensure the demilitarisation of Hamas, and secure and rebuild Gaza,” Macron added.
France now joins at least 146 countries that recognise Palestine as a sovereign state, though the United States still refuses to endorse the move.
It remains unclear whether France’s new position will affect its relations with Washington, which blocked a UN Security Council resolution in April 2024 aimed at granting Palestine full membership.
