On Friday, President Donald Trump dismissed French President Emmanuel Macron’s proposal to recognize a Palestinian state. His response was more direct compared to the rebukes from Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other prominent Republicans.
“What he says doesn’t matter,” Trump remarked to reporters at the White House, adding, “He’s a really nice guy. I like him, but that statement doesn’t influence me.”
Macron had announced his plans on X about recognizing Palestine at the UN General Assembly scheduled for next September.
In his reasoning, Macron highlighted the urgent need for an “immediate ceasefire,” the release of hostages, and humanitarian aid for Gaza. He emphasized that Hamas must be demilitarized, which he communicated through a letter shared by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
“The French people want peace in the Middle East,” Macron stated in the letter translated into English. He also mentioned that while “peace is possible,” he was trying to rally other nations to support this endeavor.
However, the recognition of Palestinian statehood remains largely symbolic. It doesn’t automatically confer UN membership or diplomatic relations; about 150 out of 193 UN member states recognize Palestine as a sovereign entity.
Trump’s remarks were indeed milder compared to the strong reactions from some Republicans. Rubio labeled France’s intent as “reckless” and a “slap in the face” shortly after Macron’s announcement.
“The United States firmly opposes President Macron’s plan to recognize the Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly,” Rubio wrote on X. “This reckless decision will only serve Hamas propaganda and hinder peace efforts. It’s an insult to the victims of October 7th.”
Senator Lindsay Graham and Senator Tom Cotton joined Rubio in criticizing Macron’s stance, calling it puzzling and concerning on several fronts. Graham asked a series of rhetorical questions, sarcastically noting the lack of clarity in the plan, such as governance and territorial boundaries.
“Except for these missing details, it seems like a foolproof plan!” Graham quipped.
Cotton labeled Macron’s move as “a shameful support for terrorists,” asserting that the best route to resolve the conflict is to support Israel’s mission to rescue hostages and defeat Hamas.
Israeli officials reacted swiftly and strongly against Macron’s proposal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the plan, asserting that it rewards fear and risks creating another Iranian proxy, potentially turning Gaza into a launchpad for attacks against Israel.
Furthermore, Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Yariv Levin described the decision as “a black stain on French history” and a direct support to terrorism. He insisted that “the land of Israel belongs to the people of Israel,” and added that Macron’s declaration wouldn’t alter this fact.
Levin also called for Israel to assert sovereignty over Judea, Samaria, and the Jordan Valley, regarding it as a proper response to the “shameful decisions” made by the French President.
