Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday that creating a Palestinian state would amount to a “huge reward for terrorism.” The two leaders spoke by phone amid growing international calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s office said he warned Macron that a Palestinian state could become a hub for Iranian-backed terrorism near Israeli cities and reaffirmed his longstanding opposition to such a move.
Macron, in a post on X, said he urged Netanyahu to end the suffering of civilians in Gaza and emphasized that only a ceasefire could lead to the release of remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
Tensions have risen since Macron suggested last week that France might recognize a Palestinian state in the coming months — a statement that drew sharp criticism from Israeli leaders. On Monday, Macron told Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas that he would support a reformed Palestinian Authority governing post-war Gaza, as part of efforts toward a two-state solution ahead of a proposed peace conference in June.
Netanyahu’s office said he warned Macron that a Palestinian state could become a hub for Iranian-backed terrorism near Israeli cities and reaffirmed his longstanding opposition to such a move.
Macron, in a post on X, said he urged Netanyahu to end the suffering of civilians in Gaza and emphasized that only a ceasefire could lead to the release of remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
Tensions have risen since Macron suggested last week that France might recognize a Palestinian state in the coming months — a statement that drew sharp criticism from Israeli leaders. On Monday, Macron told Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas that he would support a reformed Palestinian Authority governing post-war Gaza, as part of efforts toward a two-state solution ahead of a proposed peace conference in June.
