French President Emmanuel Macron recently announced that France intends to recognize the “State of Palestine” at the United Nations General Assembly in September. In a letter shared on X, Macron emphasized the desire for peace among the French people, urging collaborative efforts between Israelis, Palestinians, and international partners to demonstrate that peace is achievable. He underscored the urgent need for an “immediate ceasefire,” the release of hostages, and the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Additionally, he called for the demilitarization of Hamas and the rebuilding of Gaza.
Israeli officials reacted strongly to Macron’s announcement. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the decision, arguing that it rewards terrorism and risks establishing another Iranian proxy similar to Gaza. He contended that a Palestinian state under current conditions would endanger Israel rather than promote peaceful coexistence. Deputy Prime Minister Yariv Levin criticized the move as a stain on France’s history, insisting that the territory rightfully belongs to Israel, and advocated for Israeli sovereignty over the disputed regions of Judea and Samaria, as well as the Jordan Valley.
Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli addressed Macron directly in a post on X, sharing a controversial video purportedly showing French First Lady Brigitte Macron slapping her husband. Other Israeli officials, including Knesset Member Avigdor Liberman, echoed the sentiment that recognition of a Palestinian state would reward Hamas and undermine Israeli security, framing it as a capitulation to terror. These strong responses reflect significant apprehension about the implications of France’s intended move.
The letter announcing France’s decision was delivered by the French Consul in Jerusalem, who confirmed that France plans to fully recognize Palestine in September. This announcement coincides with wider criticisms from France against Israel’s actions in the region. Recently, France collaborated with over 20 other nations to condemn the reported deaths of 800 Palestinians in Gaza, emphasizing a commitment to humanitarian concerns amidst escalating violence.
Macron’s actions indicate a shift in France’s approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, increasingly siding with Palestinian aspirations for statehood despite the backdrop of violence. The decision is framed as part of a broader vision for peace, which, according to Macron, is attainable through international cooperation. He concluded his letter with a hopeful message about achieving peace, signaling France’s longstanding desire to mediate in the ongoing conflict.
The anticipated recognition of Palestine at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly sessions in September 2025 may create further tensions and provoke significant international discourse. Macron’s endorsement of Palestinian statehood, couched in terms of humanitarian aid and peace, will likely intensify the ongoing debates surrounding the legitimacy and future of statehood claims in Israel and Palestine, shaping diplomatic relationships well beyond this immediate context.
