France’s Push for Palestinian Statehood Sparks Tensions with Israel
French President Emmanuel Macron’s initiative to recognize a Palestinian state has heightened tensions between France and Israel, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This move has drawn sharp criticism from Israel, with the Israeli Embassy in Paris emphasizing that the primary reaction will focus on France, reports 24brussels.
Macron’s push for statehood comes alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s efforts to pressure Israel, as the Commission announced plans for unprecedented tariffs and sanctions targeting Israel due to alleged human rights violations in Gaza. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar responded vehemently, accusing von der Leyen of “empowering terrorist groups” in a letter that has generated significant controversy.
Both Israel and the United States argue that recognizing a Palestinian state would reward Hamas, the militant group responsible for the October 7 terror attack that triggered the current crisis. They assert that such recognition undermines efforts to secure the release of Israeli hostages currently held in Gaza.
The relationship between France and Israel, which hosts the largest Jewish and Muslim populations in Europe, has further deteriorated due to a personal feud between Macron and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This discord has been characterized by public confrontations, including a letter from Netanyahu to Macron in which he accused the French president of inflaming antisemitism with his statehood proposal. Macron has vigorously countered these claims in his own communications.
Despite allegations of increasing antisemitic attacks in France following the October 7 incident, no official statistics have substantiated these claims. U.S. Ambassador to France, Charles Kushner, has faced backlash for asserting that such incidents have surged since Macron’s announcement, leading to his summoning by the French foreign ministry.
As tensions escalate, Paris is reportedly considering a range of retaliatory measures against Israel. A French diplomat has indicated that possible actions could include closing the Israeli consulate in France and expelling Israeli intelligence personnel operating on French territory, according to reports.
