Israeli officials have strongly criticized French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent announcement that France may recognize a Palestinian state by June 2025. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar labeled the potential recognition as a “reward for terror,” expressing concern that such a move could embolden extremist groups like Hamas.
President Macron’s proposal includes co-hosting an international conference with Saudi Arabia aimed at facilitating mutual recognition between Israel and Arab nations. He emphasized that France’s recognition of a Palestinian state would be part of a broader diplomatic effort to promote peace in the Middle East.
The potential recognition by France follows similar actions by other European countries. In May 2024, Norway, Ireland, and Spain announced their intention to recognize a Palestinian state, prompting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to condemn the move as a “reward for terrorism.”
France’s stance reflects a shift in its foreign policy, with President Macron previously stating that recognizing a Palestinian state is “not a taboo for France.”
Also read: Macron says France could recognize a Palestinian state in June
