France's plan to recognise a Palestinian state within months has triggered fierce criticism from Israel, with officials claiming the move rewards terrorism and undermines peace efforts.
"A unilateral recognition of a fictional Palestinian state, by any country, in the reality that we all know, will be a prize for terror and a boost for Hamas," said Foreign Minister Gideon Saar on social media platform X.
The Israeli government has long opposed external recognition of a Palestinian state in the absence of a negotiated peace agreement.
Israel's ambassador to France, Joshua Zarka, called the French plan "totally irresponsible" during an interview on FranceInfo Thursday.
"Talking about the creation of a Palestinian state today, when the war is still going on, is ... too early."
He argued that recognition without preconditions would harm peace prospects: "To talk about a Palestinian state today before having created the conditions that could lead to peace is doing exactly the opposite."
Zarka warned that such recognition could legitimise Hamas and hinder peace efforts, calling for the release of hostages and disarmament of Hamas as prerequisites for stability.
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'Must move towards recognition'
Macron told France 5 television on Wednesday that France could formally recognise a Palestinian state in the coming months. He said the move would be announced at a UN-backed conference in June on a two-state solution, which France will co-chair with Saudi Arabia.
“We must move towards recognition, and we will do so in the coming months,” Macron said.
He said the plan was part of a broader international effort to secure mutual recognition between Israel and Palestine. Macron has often called this the only way to end the long-running conflict.
The French president said recognition would allow France to take a firmer stance against actors like Iran that deny Israel’s right to exist. He also reaffirmed France’s opposition to the annexation of land and any forced displacement of Palestinians.
Macron’s statement has sparked concern in Israel. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar posted on X on Wednesday that such a step would encourage Hamas and further destabilise the region.
The move comes amid mounting international frustration over Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, launched after the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks.
In recent months, Ireland, Norway, Spain and Slovenia have moved to recognise a Palestinian state. France's voice carries more geopolitical weight as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
France deepens Egypt ties as Macron rejects Hamas role in Gaza
Mixed reaction in France
The proposal has generated mixed reactions within France. Former president François Hollande offered measured support, provided mutual recognition is central to any agreement.
He stressed the importance of excluding Hamas from future governance and ensuring peaceful conditions for civilians in Gaza.
Left-wing leaders were more enthusiastic. Mathilde Panot of France Unbowed (LFI) called the initiative long overdue, describing it as a response to “nearly two years of genocide in Gaza”.
Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure also backed the idea, saying it could put needed pressure on what he described as an "inhuman" Israeli government, especially after the recent breakdown in ceasefire efforts.
On the right, the reaction was sceptical. Far-right National Rally vice-president Sébastien Chenu called the idea “premature”, while Senate president Gérard Larcher cited unresolved hostage situations and instability within the Palestinian Authority as major red flags.
