Netanyahu Blasts Macron Over Palestine Recognition, Warns of Security Threat

Report by “Safarti Tarjuman” International News Desk

Jerusalem – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sharply criticized French President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to recognize the State of Palestine, warning that such a move would pose a direct threat to Israel’s national security and reward terrorism.

Netanyahu stated that the French government was undermining peace efforts by legitimizing an entity “committed to Israel’s destruction.” His response followed Macron’s announcement on Thursday that France would officially recognize Palestinian statehood at the upcoming UN General Assembly in September.

“A Palestinian state, under current conditions, would be a terror state supported by Hamas, not a peaceful neighbor,” Netanyahu said. “France is choosing to reward violence rather than promote real peace.”

Netanyahu’s remarks were echoed by key figures in his administration. **Defense Minister Israel Katz** accused France of “capitulating to terrorism,” while **Justice Minister Yariv Levin** warned that the move would fuel extremism and destabilize the region.

Former Prime Minister **Naftali Bennett** went further, calling Macron’s decision “an act of moral collapse,” asserting:

> “Recognizing Palestine now is not diplomacy—it’s surrender. It sends a horrific message: commit violence, and you’ll be rewarded with a state.”

President Macron’s declaration marks a significant policy shift for a Western power. In a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter), Macron said:

“There is no alternative. The urgent need is to end the war in Gaza and rescue the civilian population. Peace is possible.”

France’s decision aligns it with over 140 UN member states that already recognize Palestine, though key powers like the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom have so far refrained from doing so.

The announcement comes amid growing global pressure on Israel to halt its military campaign in Gaza, where humanitarian agencies warn of “mass starvation” and civilian casualties. Macron’s stance appears to be influenced by both the worsening humanitarian crisis and frustration with the stalled peace process.

Israel has responded by recalling key diplomats and threatening to reassess bilateral ties with France.

Meanwhile, U.S. officials announced they would withdraw their Gaza ceasefire team from Doha, claiming that Hamas lacks the will to engage in peace talks—underscoring the deepening diplomatic divide over the path forward.

Thank you for reading! For comprehensive news coverage and exclusive stories, visit SafartiTarjuman.com