Netanyahu Accuses Macron of Committing a “Grave Error” on Palestinian State

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Sunday that French President Emmanuel Macron was making a “grave error” by promoting the idea of a Palestinian state.

“President Macron is making a grave error in continuing to promote the idea of a Palestinian state in the heart of our land – a state whose sole aspiration is the destruction of Israel,” Benjamin Netanyahu wrote on the social media platform X.

Last week, the French head of state spoke several times about the possible recognition of a Palestinian state.

“We will not jeopardize our existence for illusions disconnected from reality,” insisted Mr. Netanyahu.

“We will not accept moral lessons on the creation of a Palestinian state that would endanger Israel’s existence, from those who oppose the independence of Corsica, New Caledonia, French Guiana, and other territories, whose independence would in no way threaten France,” he added.

In an interview broadcast on Wednesday, Mr. Macron said that France could recognize the Palestinian state in June on the sidelines of a conference that Paris will co-chair with Saudi Arabia at the United Nations in New York, while framing such a move within a reciprocal movement of recognition of Israel by Arab countries.

His remarks triggered a flurry of protests from the right and far-right in France.

Faced with “shortcuts” and “false information,” the French president then published a message on X on Friday to clarify France’s position.

He emphasized “the legitimate right of the Palestinians to a state and to peace, just as that of the Israelis to live in peace and security, both recognized by their neighbors.”

Mr. Netanyahu also disavowed his son Yair, who on Saturday wrote “Get lost!” in a message on X addressed to Mr. Macron.

“Like any citizen, he is entitled to his personal opinion, although the tone of his response to President Macron’s tweet calling for the creation of a Palestinian state is unacceptable in my eyes,” he said.

Relations between Israel and France have noticeably strained in recent months.