Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned French President Emmanuel Macron's proposal to recognize a Palestinian state, calling it a "grave mistake."
Netanyahu said such a state would threaten Israel’s existence and criticized Macron for supporting Palestinian independence while opposing independence movements in French territories like Corsica and New Caledonia.
Macron had stated that France may recognize a Palestinian state within months, possibly during a UN conference in June. He said the move could prompt Arab nations to formally recognize Israel.
Netanyahu also pointed to the lack of condemnation from Hamas or the Palestinian Authority for the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, calling their silence revealing.
Macron later clarified he supports the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians to peace and security.
Formal recognition would mark a major policy shift for France and could further strain its ties with Israel. France would become the most influential European country to take such a step, joining nearly 150 nations that already recognize a Palestinian state.
Netanyahu said such a state would threaten Israel’s existence and criticized Macron for supporting Palestinian independence while opposing independence movements in French territories like Corsica and New Caledonia.
Macron had stated that France may recognize a Palestinian state within months, possibly during a UN conference in June. He said the move could prompt Arab nations to formally recognize Israel.
Netanyahu also pointed to the lack of condemnation from Hamas or the Palestinian Authority for the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, calling their silence revealing.
Macron later clarified he supports the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians to peace and security.
Formal recognition would mark a major policy shift for France and could further strain its ties with Israel. France would become the most influential European country to take such a step, joining nearly 150 nations that already recognize a Palestinian state.
