After French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would recognize Palestinian statehood starting in September, the reaction from the United States has been swift and furious.
“The United States strongly rejects Emmanuel Macron’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly. This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace. It is a slap in the face to the victims of Oct. 7,” wrote U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on X.
Macron announced on Thursday on X that he would officially recognize the Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September.
“We must also ensure the demilitarization of Hamas and the security and reconstruction of Gaza. Finally, we must build a Palestinian state, ensure its survival, and guarantee that by accepting demilitarization and fully recognizing Israel, it contributes to the security of all in the Middle East. There is no alternative,” wrote Macron.
Rubio’s statement aligned closely with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said Macron’s move would reward terrorism.
“A Palestinian state under such circumstances would be a starting point for the destruction of Israel,” Netanyahu’s office wrote in a statement.
There are fears in Israel that France’s move could lead to a wave of other European states recognizing Palestine as a state, which could severely complicate Israel’s efforts to expel Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank.
This week, the Knesset of Israel passed a non-binding resolution supporting the annexation of the West Bank, which was backed by 71 members of parliament.
The measure declares that the Jewish people hold ancestral sovereignty over Judea, Samaria, and the Jordan Valley.
The attack by the Palestinian terrorist organization Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, in which more than 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 were kidnapped and taken to Gaza, sparked a war between Israel and the militant group. The United States remains Israel’s closest ally.
It is unclear what forms of retaliation the U.S. might launch against France for recognizing Palestine, but it could include sanctions and other financial penalties.
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