Netanyahu and Israeli Officials Criticize Macron Over Palestinian State Recognition

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior Israeli leaders issued sharp condemnations on Thursday following French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement that France will recognize a Palestinian state. The Israeli officials warned that the move rewards terrorism and jeopardizes Israel’s security, particularly in the wake of the October 7 Hamas massacre.

Netanyahu called Macron’s declaration “a dangerous mistake” that would embolden Hamas and Iran-backed terror groups.
“We strongly condemn President Macron’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state next to Tel Aviv in the wake of the October 7 massacre. Such a move rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became. A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel not to live in peace beside it,” Netanyahu said.
“Let’s be clear: the Palestinians do not seek a state alongside Israel; they seek a state instead of Israel.”

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said France’s move only strengthens the resolve to apply Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria. “I thank President Macron for providing an additional and most compelling reason to finally implement Israeli sovereignty over the historic regions of Judea and Samaria, and to put an end once and for all to the dangerous illusion of a terrorist Palestinian state,” Smotrich wrote on X/Twitter.

Defense Minister Israel Katz called Macron’s decision “a disgrace and a surrender to terrorism,” warning that France’s recognition would be viewed as a reward for Hamas’s October 7 atrocities. “We will not allow the establishment of a Palestinian entity that would harm our security, endanger our existence, and undermine our historical right to the Land of Israel. We are all united to prevent this grave danger,” Katz said.

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana accused Macron of betraying democratic values. “Macron just awarded Hamas a prize for committing the October 7 massacre. This shameful act is nothing less than a betrayal by the so-called ‘leaders’ of the free world. It sends a chilling message: terrorism pays off,” Ohana stated, adding that Macron “will be remembered as a collaborator with evil on the wrong side of history.”

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar described the French president’s announcement as “absurd and unserious,” likening it to an “illusionary arrangement” that will only result in another Hamas-controlled state. “President Macron cannot provide security for Israel. Let's hope he succeeds in doing so on the streets of Paris,” Sa’ar added, noting that Hamas itself welcomed Macron’s remarks.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir responded sarcastically: “Recognize France as a Palestinian state.” Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar was more direct, saying, “President Macron sold France to the radical Islam.”

The United States also criticized Macron’s move. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called it “a reckless decision” that undermines peace efforts and serves Hamas propaganda. “This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace,” Rubio said on X. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee mocked the announcement, joking that Britain should “declare France a British colony” and suggesting Macron rename the French Riviera “Franc-en-Stine.”

Macron stated on Thursday that France would formally recognize a Palestinian state during the upcoming UN General Assembly in September, claiming the move would advance peace in the region. Israel and its allies strongly dispute that assertion, warning that unilateral recognition will only fuel further violence and embolden terror groups.

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