Macron Pushes for Palestinian State; Israel Responds: “Rewarding Terror”

French President Emmanuel Macron reignited tensions with Israel Friday, urging European nations to take a firmer stance against Israel and recognize a Palestinian state. Speaking in Singapore, he said, “Recognizing a Palestinian state is not only a moral obligation—but also a political necessity.” Israel’s Foreign Ministry sharply rebuked him, accusing him of siding with terror: “President Macron’s crusade against the Jewish state continues.”

Macron added: “On October 7, Hamas carried out a terrorist attack, and France strongly condemned it. Israel responded legitimately, and we supported its right to defend itself… We cannot rely solely on a security solution—there must be a political solution.”

In a pointed post on X, Israel’s Foreign Ministry denied there’s a humanitarian blockade: “That is a blatant lie… nearly 900 aid trucks have entered Gaza this week.” It also highlighted direct humanitarian aid bypassing Hamas: “This assistance is already changing the situation on the ground.”

The Ministry further charged: “Instead of pressuring jihadist terrorists, Macron wants to reward them with a Palestinian state. Hamas already praised Macron—and he knows why.”

Macron reiterated his two-state solution stance: “Only the creation of a Palestinian state will resolve the conflict.” He said Hamas must release hostages, disarm, and be excluded from any future governance. “Only these steps will lead to security for all.”

Defense Minister Yisrael Katz, visiting newly approved settlements in Yehudah and Shomron, fired back: “You’ll recognize a Palestinian state on paper—and that paper will end up in the dustbin of history.”

The friction follows a recent French TV interview where Macron called Netanyahu’s policies “shameful” and pushed for more sanctions. “I was angry with Prime Minister Netanyahu,” he said. “France alone can’t shift things—it depends on U.S. arms.” He praised the U.S.-brokered ceasefire for saving lives.

Netanyahu’s office condemned the remarks: “Macron again stands with a murderous terror group, echoing false propaganda and blaming Israel with blood libels.”

Looking ahead, Israel fears France may recognize a Palestinian state as early as June. Macron advisor Ofer Bronstein told N12 that France is “making great progress” in rallying other nations. Germany, the UK, and Poland are said to be considering recognition as well.