Israel criticizes Macron for considering recognition of Palestine: "It would be a reward for terrorism"

The Israeli government reacted strongly to French President Emmanuel Macron's announcement that his country would not rule out officially recognizing the Palestinian state as part of a diplomatic solution to the Middle East conflict. The French president's remarks, made at an international forum in Paris, were met with a mixture of concern and indignation in Jerusalem.

An Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson declared Thursday that "the unilateral recognition of a fictitious Palestinian state, without guarantees of peace or security for Israel, would be a reward for terrorism," in a clear allusion to Hamas attacks in recent months.

From Tel Aviv, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration accused certain European leaders of ignoring the risks of strengthening Palestinian political structures without first demanding the disarmament of terrorist groups and guarantees of recognition for the State of Israel.

Macron, for his part, justified his stance as an attempt to "revitalize the peace process" and pressure both sides toward a lasting solution. France thus joins other voices in the European Union considering similar steps, especially given the intensification of fighting in Gaza and international pressure for a truce.

Diplomatic tension between Paris and Jerusalem could escalate if France moves in this direction, something Israel considers a "legitimization of violence" amid one of the most sensitive chapters of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in years.