Netanyahu rejects Palestinian state as France weighs recognition

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his opposition to the creation of a Palestinian state during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday, amid growing international support for a two-state solution.

According to a statement from Netanyahu’s office, he told Macron that he "strongly opposes" Palestinian statehood, describing it as "a major reward for terrorism." He warned that establishing such a state near Israeli cities would turn it into "a stronghold of Iranian terrorism" and claimed that "an overwhelming majority of the Israeli public strongly opposes it."

In response, Macron posted on X (formerly Twitter) that he had reiterated France’s firm support for Israel’s security. He emphasized that securing the release of all hostages held by Hamas remains a top priority, along with the demilitarization of the militant group.

Macron also stressed that a ceasefire is essential to facilitate the hostages' release and called for the urgent opening of all humanitarian aid crossings to assist civilians in Gaza.

The call followed Macron's recent statement that France may formally recognize a Palestinian state by June. Speaking in a TV interview, Macron said, “We must move toward recognition… and so, in the coming months, we will.”

France is set to co-host a United Nations meeting in New York with Saudi Arabia in June, aimed at advancing the two-state solution as Israel’s military operation in Gaza stretches into its 18th month, reports UNB.

The territories sought by Palestinians for statehood — the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem — have remained under Israeli occupation since the 1967 Middle East war, despite longstanding international criticism, reports UNB.