Foreign Minister Saar: 'A reward for terrorism.' Macron's Israeli advisor defends the move: 'A strategic step designed to serve Israel's interests and weaken Hamas'.
In a surprising declaration, French President Emmanuel Macron revealed that Paris is expected to recognize a Palestinian state as early as this coming June, as part of a joint conference with Saudi Arabia to be held in New York. The announcement, which was broadcast on the French channel France 5, represents a significant shift in French policy and could dramatically affect the balance of power in the region.
"We must move forward toward recognizing a Palestinian state, and we will do so in the coming months", Macron stated in an interview. The French president emphasized that the move is intended to lead to a process of mutual recognition, whereby countries that support Palestinians will also recognize Israel's right to exist. "Our goal is to complete a process of mutual recognition by several countries", Macron added, explaining: "I am doing this because I believe it is the right thing to do at this stage, and because I also want to participate in a collective dynamic that must allow all those who defend Palestinians to recognize Israel – something many of them don't do".
According to Macron, recognition of a Palestinian state "will allow us to be clear in our struggle against those who deny Israel's right to exist – as is happening with Iran – and to commit to collective security in the region". This statement is a direct continuation of Macron's position from 2017, when he expressed support for a two-state solution and said that "we will continue our efforts with the UN to find a solution of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side within borders recognized by the international community". On that same occasion, Macron also noted that "Jerusalem will be the capital of both states".
Israel's response was swift. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar reacted harshly to Macron's declaration, claiming that "'unilateral recognition' of an imaginary Palestinian state by any country in the reality known to us all will be nothing but a reward for terrorism and a strengthening of Hamas". According to him, "Such actions will not only fail to bring peace, security and stability closer to our region – but on the contrary: they will push them further away".
However, Ofer Bronstein, the Israeli advisor to the French President on Middle Eastern affairs and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, who was involved in France's decision to announce that it will recognize a Palestinian state, presents a completely different picture. He claims that "the conference led by France and Saudi Arabia in June – during which recognition of a Palestinian state will be declared – is a diplomatic move built from a deep understanding of regional interests, primarily Israel's security and strategic interests".
Bronstein emphasizes that "there is no attempt here to pressure Israel or dictate terms to it – on the contrary: it is about creating a new path that will strengthen its regional and international standing, expand partnership circles, and weaken Hamas and extremist centers". According to him, "President Macron – who called for the immediate release of all hostages, the disarmament of Hamas, and the cessation of fighting – emphasizes that the solution lies in responsible diplomatic action, with a renewed Palestinian Authority, in coordination with regional countries, and not in perpetuating a conflict that has no military solution".
Elaborating on French policy, Bronstein adds that "Macron has publicly called on additional Arab countries to recognize Israel – not as a concession, but as an acknowledgment of the fact that regional stability depends on a moderate joining of forces against religious and national extremism. Recognition of Palestine is accompanied by an explicit demand to resume humanitarian aid to Gaza – not as a compromise, but as a means to stabilize the territory and return control to responsible parties".
In concluding his remarks, Bronstein emphasizes a central point: "France does not support the establishment of a Palestinian state empty of content, but rather a state that will grow out of a joint mechanism for the reconstruction of Gaza – according to a formulated Arab and international plan, including the one I presented to the president – and committed to Israel's security". He emphasizes that "this is not a unilateral gesture – it is a strategic step designed to serve Israel's interests above all, and to prevent uncontrolled regional escalation". On an optimistic note, he adds that "as someone involved in the process, I am convinced that the first thing the new Palestinian state will be obligated to do is declare recognition of the State of Israel".
France, if it implements Macron's declaration and recognizes a Palestinian state in the coming months, will join a growing list of countries that have already announced a similar step. Last June, Armenia announced it was joining 147 other UN members that recognize a Palestinian state. In the same month, four European countries also announced their recognition of Palestine, despite strong Israeli opposition: Norway, Ireland, Spain, and Slovenia.
Israel's official response to this trend was clear – Knesset members voted by a large majority in favor of a declaration stating that the Israeli Knesset opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state.
It should be noted that even within France itself, there are voices opposing this move. Last June, French far-right leader Jordan Bardella of the "National Rally" party said that "a Palestinian state has rights but also obligations." However, he clarified that "recognition of a Palestinian state at this stage would be recognition of terrorism, and political recognition of an organization that calls in its charter for the destruction of the State of Israel".
Macron's declaration comes at a particularly sensitive time in the Middle East, as tensions continue to rise and diplomatic efforts to achieve a ceasefire agreement and regional arrangement continue in full force. French recognition of a Palestinian state, if indeed implemented in June, could serve as an incentive for other countries to take a similar step, and significantly influence the negotiations taking place in the region.
This step could have far-reaching implications for Israel's position in the international arena, its relations with France and other European countries, and the possibility of moving toward a comprehensive political settlement in the Middle East. The central question that remains open is whether recognition of a Palestinian state will indeed lead to mutual recognition of Israel by Arab countries, as Macron hopes, or whether it will increase tensions and security risks in the region, as feared in Israel.
Either way, the complex reality in the Middle East requires all parties involved to act with caution and responsibility. Will France's recognition of a Palestinian state be a step toward peace or will it lead to further escalation? The answer to this question largely depends on the steps taken by all parties in the coming months, primarily Israel, the Palestinian Authority, France, and the Arab countries involved in the process.
Photo: Reuters
