Netanyahu Slams Macron’s Palestinian State Proposal as a “Grave Mistake”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized French President Emmanuel Macron's support for a Palestinian state, calling it a “grave mistake” and a threat to Israel's existence. This came amid heightened tensions between Israel and France, with Netanyahu also rejecting moral lectures from France regarding independence issues in its territories.
hassan benyoub 
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sharply criticized French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday, labeling his push for a Palestinian state a “grave mistake.” The remarks, posted on X, come amid heightened tensions between Israel and France over the issue.
“President Macron is making a grave error by continuing to promote the idea of a Palestinian state at the heart of our land—a state whose sole aspiration is the destruction of Israel,” Netanyahu wrote. He argued that such a state would jeopardize Israel’s existence, dismissing the proposal as “illusions disconnected from reality.”
Netanyahu also took a swipe at France’s stance on its own territories, stating, “We will not accept moral lectures on creating a Palestinian state that endangers Israel’s existence from those who oppose independence for Corsica, New Caledonia, French Guiana, and other territories, whose independence would not threaten France.”
The controversy stems from Macron’s recent comments on recognizing a Palestinian state. In an interview last Wednesday, he suggested France could move toward recognition by June during a UN conference co-hosted with Saudi Arabia in New York. Macron framed the gesture as part of a broader reciprocal recognition of Israel by Arab nations.
Macron’s remarks sparked backlash from France’s right and far-right factions, prompting him to clarify France’s position on X on Friday. He emphasized “the legitimate right of Palestinians to a state and peace, just as Israelis have the right to live in peace and security, both recognized by their neighbors.”
Netanyahu’s rebuke extended to disavowing a provocative post by his son, Yair, who told Macron to “go to hell” on X in response to the Palestinian state proposal. “As a citizen, he has a right to his personal opinion, but the tone of his response to President Macron’s tweet is unacceptable to me,” Netanyahu said.
The exchange underscores growing strains in Israel-France relations in recent months, with the Palestinian state issue remaining a contentious flashpoint.
