Netanyahu Condemns Macron’s Plan to Recognize Palestinian State
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sharply criticized French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement that France may soon recognize Palestine as a sovereign state. Calling it a “grave mistake,” Netanyahu warned that the move could pose serious risks to Israel’s security and survival.
In a strongly worded statement, Netanyahu declared that the creation of a Palestinian state “in the heart of our land” would be a direct threat to Israel’s existence. He cited the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack—which he described as “the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust”—as evidence of the danger posed by Palestinian factions. He also noted the lack of condemnation from both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, using their silence to underscore what he claims is their true stance toward Israel.
“We will not endanger our existence over illusions detached from reality,” Netanyahu stated. “We will not accept moral lectures about establishing a Palestinian state that would threaten Israel’s survival—especially not from those who oppose granting independence to Corsica, New Caledonia, French Guiana, and other territories, whose independence would pose no threat to France whatsoever.”
Macron Pushes for Two-State Solution
President Macron, in an interview and follow-up public remarks, signaled that France may recognize Palestine at an upcoming UN conference in New York this June. He framed the move as a step toward regional peace, expressing hope that it would inspire reciprocal recognition of Israel by Arab states.
Macron reaffirmed his support for both Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security, stating that he is actively working with international partners to achieve a sustainable two-state solution.
France has long supported a negotiated peace process in the region. If Macron proceeds with the recognition, France would become the most influential European power to do so, joining the 138 United Nations member states that already recognize Palestinian statehood.
Netanyahu’s Son Adds Fuel to Diplomatic Tensions
The diplomatic friction intensified further when Netanyahu’s son, Yair Netanyahu, took to social media to launch a personal attack on President Macron. In a controversial post, he exclaimed “Screw you!” while calling for the independence of Corsica, French Guiana, and other French-administered territories. His remarks accused France of hypocrisy and neo-imperialism, adding to the diplomatic strain between the two nations.
As global leaders debate the path forward in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the clash between Netanyahu and Macron highlights the widening divide over how best to pursue peace, statehood, and regional stability in the Middle East.
