France’s Palestine Recognition Draws Sharp Rebuke from U.S. and Israel
French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement on Thursday that France will formally recognize Palestine as a state at the United Nations General Assembly in September has provoked strong criticism from both the United States and Israel. The decision, which aligns with France’s longstanding support for a two-state solution, comes amid growing international concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Macron revealed his intention in a letter to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, emphasizing that recognizing Palestine is essential to addressing the legitimate aspirations of both Palestinians and Israelis. He also highlighted France’s commitment to advancing a ceasefire in Gaza, securing the release of hostages held by Hamas, disarming the militant group, and strengthening the Palestinian Authority’s governance across Palestinian territories. France, in collaboration with Saudi Arabia, plans to co-host a conference in September to discuss the implementation of a two-state solution.
The U.S. State Department swiftly condemned the move, labeling it “reckless” and arguing that unilateral recognition of Palestine undermines the conditions necessary for a two-state solution. A department spokesperson stressed that negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority are the only viable path to establishing a Palestinian state, asserting that such actions could destabilize efforts to resolve the conflict.
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Israeli leaders echoed this sentiment with even stronger rhetoric. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described France’s decision as “a launch pad to annihilate Israel,” framing it as a reward for Hamas following its October 7, 2023, attack. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich went further, suggesting that Macron’s announcement justifies Israel’s push to assert sovereignty over the West Bank, referred to by some as Judea and Samaria. Smotrich argued that the move provides a compelling reason to abandon the concept of a Palestinian state in the region.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry has not yet issued an official response to Macron’s announcement. Meanwhile, France’s foreign minister is preparing to co-host a U.N. conference next week focused on advancing a two-state solution, signaling France’s intent to lead international efforts on this issue.
Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, welcomed France’s decision, with a spokesperson stating it reflects support for Palestinian self-determination. The group called on other nations, particularly in Europe, to follow France’s lead. More than 140 countries, including over a dozen in Europe, already recognize Palestine as a state, with France now poised to become the most prominent European nation to take this step.
The announcement follows heightened tensions in the region, with France and over two dozen countries, mostly European, recently condemning Israel’s restrictions on aid shipments to Gaza and the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians attempting to access food supplies. Macron’s decision also comes shortly after the U.S. withdrew from Gaza ceasefire talks in Qatar, citing a lack of good faith from Hamas.
France, home to Europe’s largest Jewish and Muslim populations, has often experienced domestic tensions related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Macron has consistently condemned antisemitism and supported Israel’s right to self-defense following the Hamas attacks in 2023, but he has grown increasingly vocal about Israel’s military actions in Gaza in recent months.
As the international community awaits France’s formal recognition in September, the move has already deepened divisions, with the U.S. and Israel firmly opposing what they view as a provocative step, while Palestinian leaders and their supporters see it as a significant stride toward justice and statehood.