US, Israel condemn France’s move to recognise Palestinian state
The United States and Israel have strongly condemned France’s decision to formally recognize a Palestinian state during the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called France’s move “reckless,” stating that it only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace efforts. He described it as “a slap in the face to the victims of the October 7 attack,” referring to the Hamas attack on Israel in 2023 that triggered the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the recognition as rewarding terrorism and creating an existential threat to Israel. Netanyahu warned that such a Palestinian state could become “another Iranian proxy,” similar to Gaza, and “a launch pad to annihilate Israel—not to live in peace beside it.” Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Yariv Levin added that France’s move was “a black mark on French history and a direct aid to terrorism,” arguing it justified applying Israeli sovereignty to the West Bank. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also criticized the move as enabling Hamas, noting previous security failures linked to Palestinian governance in Gaza.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced the decision as consistent with France’s historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. He framed recognizing a Palestinian state as part of efforts to end the war in Gaza and provide humanitarian relief, asserting the need to establish a sustainable Palestinian state that accepts demilitarization and fully recognizes Israel to contribute to regional security.
Palestinian officials welcomed France’s decision as a commitment to international law and support for Palestinian self-determination and statehood.
France’s move to recognize Palestinian statehood has sparked a sharp backlash from the US and Israel, who view it as undermining peace and rewarding terrorism, while France and Palestinian leaders see it as a necessary step for peace and humanitarian relief amid the Gaza conflict.
