French President Emmanuel Macron's plan to formally recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September has drawn sharp condemnation from Israel, triggered rebukes from the United States, and ignited a wave of outrage among French Israelis who view the move as an act of betrayal. The announcement has intensified diplomatic tensions amid Israel's ongoing war in Gaza, where fighting and humanitarian conditions remain dire.
"I have decided that France will recognise the state of Palestine," Macron wrote in a letter to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, adding, "I will make this solemn announcement at the United Nations General Assembly next September." He cited France's "historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East" and urged other nations to follow suit.
Israel swiftly condemned the decision, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warning that it "rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy." He added on X, "A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel - not to live in peace beside it." Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz called Macron's move "a disgrace and a surrender to terrorism," and said Israel would not allow the establishment of a "Palestinian entity that would harm our security, endanger our existence."
In the United States, Secretary of State Marco Rubio also criticized the decision, stating on X: "This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace. It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th." The U.S. has long opposed unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood, arguing it could undermine future peace talks.
French-Israeli citizens reacted with palpable anger. "I feel betrayed, totally betrayed by the European countries," said David Brodey, a 75-year-old retired teacher in Sderot, near the Gaza border. "I hope that others do not follow Macron's lead here." Ross Singer, a 57-year-old tour guide, said recognition "may send the wrong message to the Palestinian leadership about the repercussions of October 7." Hadass Zakai, an occupational therapist, said the decision was "more antisemitic... than supportive of Palestinians," questioning why Macron was focusing on Gaza over other global crises.
Some Israeli lawmakers responded with particularly harsh language. Likud Party member Dan Illouz said, "Macron is following the Vichy path by collaborating with the new Nazis of Gaza." Pierre Lurcat, a legal scholar and author, called it "a slap in the face to the victims of October 7 and the hostages still held by Hamas." Ariel Kandel, head of Qualita, an organization assisting French Jews in immigrating to Israel, warned: "This announcement puts our brothers in France in danger and could encourage antisemitism."
The recognition plan comes amid rising antisemitic incidents in France, including synagogue arsons and the gang rape of a 12-year-old Jewish girl. Around 50,000 French Jews have moved to Israel over the past decade, many citing security concerns.
France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot defended the decision, stating, "By recognising Palestine, France goes against [Hamas]," asserting that the militant group "has always ruled out a two-state solution."
While the move was criticized in Western capitals, it was welcomed elsewhere. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said, "Together, we must protect what Netanyahu is trying to destroy. The two-state solution is the only solution." The Saudi Foreign Ministry hailed Macron's "historic decision" and urged other nations to take similar steps.
France's diplomatic strategy appears aimed at creating momentum before a rescheduled ministerial event in New York on July 28-29, with a second summit expected on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September. French officials have privately acknowledged resistance from allies including Britain and Canada.
Israeli officials, meanwhile, have reportedly threatened to scale back intelligence sharing with France and hinted at retaliatory measures, including annexation of parts of the West Bank. Netanyahu's government maintains that any move to recognize Palestinian statehood at this juncture constitutes a reward for Hamas following the October 2023 massacre, in which 1,200 Israelis were killed and 251 taken hostage.
