France to Recognize Palestine State at UN, Drawing Israeli Condemnation

France Announces Intention to Recognize Palestine State at UN

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that France intends to recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September. He added that this move is part of efforts to achieve peace in the region, but the decision was immediately condemned by Israel.

Macron announced his decision on the X platform, accompanied by a letter to Palestinian National Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, confirming that France would move forward with recognizing Palestine and seek to persuade other partner countries to follow suit.

"In keeping with the historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine," Macron said. "I will make this solemn declaration during the United Nations General Assembly in September."

Israeli and International Reactions

France, with the largest Jewish and Muslim communities in Europe, would be the first major Western nation to take this step, potentially giving greater momentum to the movement to recognize Palestine, so far led by smaller countries critical of Israel.

The announcement sparked anger from Israel and could lead to a strong reaction from the United States. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Macron's decision as "a reward for terrorism and could lead to the creation of another Iranian proxy."

Netanyahu added on the X platform: "A Palestinian state created in these circumstances will be a platform for the annihilation of Israel, not for peace with Israel. It must be clear that the Palestinians are not seeking a state that coexists with Israel, but a state that replaces Israel."

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz also described the move as "a disgrace and a surrender to terrorism," adding that Israel would not allow the establishment of "a Palestinian entity that endangers our security and threatens our existence."

In contrast, Hussein Al Sheikh, Vice President of the Palestinian National Authority, thanked France via the X platform, saying that Macron's decision "reflects France's commitment to international law and its support for the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and the establishment of their independent state."

Political Context and Challenges

The French move comes amid growing pressure to maintain the idea of a "two-state solution," especially after the devastating war launched by Israel on Gaza since the Hamas attacks in October 2023. Israel sees the recognition of a Palestinian state at this time as a reward for Hamas.

France and Saudi Arabia had been planning to co-host a UN conference in June aimed at setting a framework for the establishment of a Palestinian state while ensuring Israel's security, but the conference was postponed due to pressure from the United States and the closure of regional airspace during the war.

Macron's choice to announce this decision before next week's meeting aims to provide the French team at the UN with a framework for cooperation with other countries that are considering recognizing a Palestinian state or still have doubts.

Macron faces opposition from some allies, such as Britain and Canada, in his efforts to push for recognition of a Palestinian state. About 40 foreign ministers are expected to meet in New York next week to discuss the issue.

Analysis: France's decision to recognize the State of Palestine represents a significant shift in the European position towards the Palestinian issue. This decision raises questions about its impact on peace efforts in the region, France's relations with Israel and the United States, and the future of the two-state solution. It is important to follow upcoming diplomatic developments and international reactions to understand the full implications of this decision.