France has announced plans to formally recognize a Palestinian state this September during the United Nations General Assembly, a move President Emmanuel Macron framed as a reaffirmation of France’s longstanding commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. Macron confirmed the decision in a letter to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and posted it publicly on X, stating that he will make the “solemn announcement” before world leaders in New York. This decision would make France the first major Western power to recognize Palestinian statehood, a position that has so far been championed mainly by smaller, more critical-of-Israel nations. Macron hopes the declaration will help reignite momentum for a two-state solution and influence other nations still undecided on the matter.

The response from Israel was swift and furious. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the move as a reward for terrorism and warned that a Palestinian state under current conditions would pose a dire threat to Israel’s security. Israeli officials across the political spectrum denounced the decision, calling it a betrayal that undermines peace and strengthens groups like Hamas. Defense Minister Israel Katz and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar both warned that France’s move would embolden terror factions, while also threatening to strain bilateral ties. Meanwhile, the United States reiterated its opposition to any unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood, citing concerns over its alignment with broader U.S. foreign policy. Despite mounting pressure, Macron is pushing forward, aiming to leverage the upcoming UN conference to sway hesitant nations, even as Israel hints at retaliatory measures—including reduced intelligence sharing and potential annexation in the West Bank.

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SOURES: The Algemeiner / Israel Hayom