'Reckless, Shameful, A Slap In The Face': US, Israel Lash Out As President Macron Announces France's Recognition Of Palestinian State

French President Emmanuel Macron's announcement to formally recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations (UN) in September has drawn severe backlash from both the United States and Israel. The announcement, made amid intensifying humanitarian concerns in Gaza, has been labelled "reckless" and "aiding terrorism" by the leaders in Washington and Tel Aviv.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the move as a betrayal of the victims of Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, calling it "a slap in the face." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu similarly lashed out, claiming that Macron’s pledge "rewards terror" and risks turning Palestinian territory into another Iranian-backed launchpad.

Israel and the US React

The United States was quick to denounce Macron’s move, with Secretary of State Rubio posting on X, "The United States strongly rejects @EmmanuelMacron's plan to recognise a Palestinian state at the @UN general assembly. This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace. It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th."

Netanyahu, in a similar tweet, accused France of "risking the creation of another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became," and warned that the move threatens Israel’s very existence. Israel’s Deputy Prime Minister Yariv Levin called it "a black mark on French history" and suggested it was now time for Israel to apply full sovereignty to the West Bank.

France's Support for Palestine

The announcement, however, found strong support in Palestinian quarters. Senior Palestinian Authority official Hussein al-Sheikh said it affirmed France’s commitment to "international law and the Palestinian people's right to self-determination." Hamas, too, hailed it as "a positive step" and urged other nations, particularly in Europe, to follow France’s lead.

Macron defended his decision on social media, saying, "The urgent priority today is to end the war in Gaza and rescue the civilian population. We must finally build the State of Palestine... and ensure its viability."

France joins 142 nations that either recognise or intend to recognise Palestinian statehood. Ireland, Spain, Norway, and Slovenia have recently made similar moves. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also welcomed Macron’s stand, saying, "Together, we must protect what Netanyahu is trying to destroy."

The conflict has claimed over 59,000 Palestinian lives in Gaza, according to the territory’s health ministry, while the Hamas-led October attack on Israel left 1,219 dead.