Macron Hints at France Recognizing Palestinian State Soon

President Emmanuel Macron has indicated that France may soon recognize a Palestinian state, possibly in the coming months. Speaking to France 5 television on Wednesday, Macron expressed hope to formalize the recognition at a United Nations conference on the Israel-Palestine conflict, which France will co-chair with Saudi Arabia in June.

“We must move toward recognition, and we will do so in the coming months,” Macron said. “This decision is not for political favor; it’s a step that will be necessary when the time is right,” he added.

Palestinian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Varsen Aghabekian Shahin welcomed the announcement, calling it “a step in the right direction toward safeguarding the rights of the Palestinian people and advancing the two-state solution.”

However, the Israeli government has opposed any unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar warned that such a move would only embolden Hamas. “A unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, in the context we know today, rewards terrorism and strengthens Hamas,” Saar said on X (formerly Twitter). “Such actions will not bring peace, security, and stability closer, but instead, will push them further away.”

Despite the controversy, Palestine has been recognized as a sovereign state by 146 of the 193 UN member countries, including several European and Caribbean nations. However, key Western nations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany have not granted recognition.

Macron argued that France’s recognition of Palestine could create a "collective dynamic" that might lead to other Middle Eastern countries eventually recognizing Israel. Currently, nations like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen do not acknowledge Israel's right to exist.

By recognizing Palestine, Macron believes France could take a stronger stance against countries like Iran that reject Israel’s existence, while reinforcing its commitment to regional stability.

During a recent visit to Egypt, Macron held discussions with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II, where he made it clear that he strongly opposed any actions leading to the displacement or annexation of land in Gaza or the West Bank.