The announcement by Macron, who stated France’s recognition is in line with its commitment to a “just and lasting peace in the middle East,” has been met with strong opposition from Israel. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich declared that France’s decision provides Israel with “one more reason” to annex the west Bank, which has been under Israeli occupation as 1967. This sentiment echoes a long-standing demand from right-wing Israeli groups, and the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, recently supported a non-binding resolution urging the government to impose Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank.

Opposition figures in Israel have also condemned Macron’s decision. Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the nationalist Party Yisrael Beitenu, took to social media platform X to label the recognition of a Palestinian state as a “gift for terrorism” and an “encouragement for Hamas,” an association he described as responsible for the moast horrific massacres of Jews since the Holocaust.

Macron’s declaration on Thursday marks a important step, as France will become a major European power to recognize a Palestinian state. this brings the total number of countries recognizing Palestine to 142, despite strong opposition from Israel and the United States.Macron emphasized that France’s immediate priority is to end the war in Gaza and protect civilians. He further articulated his vision for a Palestinian state that is demilitarized and fully recognizes Israel, thereby contributing to the safety of all people in the Middle East.