French President Emmanuel Macron has revealed that France could officially recognize the State of Palestine by June 2025. Speaking in a televised interview on France 5, Macron said the move is part of a broader diplomatic effort and is not intended to serve any particular interest or alliance.
He described the decision as a matter of timing and principle, signaling a major policy shift from one of the most influential European powers that has so far withheld formal recognition.
Macron Says Recognition of Palestine “Will Be Right”
During the interview, Macron stated: “We need to move towards recognition (of a Palestinian state). And so over the next few months, we will. I’m not doing it to please anyone. I’ll do it because at some point it will be right.”
He emphasized that this decision is part of a larger international effort that could bring more stability to the region.
“I also want to take part in a collective dynamic that should also enable those who defend Palestine to recognise Israel in their turn, something that many of them are not doing.”
His remarks hint at a strategy that seeks a two-way diplomatic opening—one that encourages both the recognition of Palestine by Western powers and the recognition of Israel by key Arab nations.
France Hopes This Move Will Encourage Arab States to Recognize Israel
Macron indicated that France is working closely with Saudi Arabia to organize a diplomatic conference in June. He hopes this gathering will lay the groundwork for a “reciprocal recognition” between several countries—where more nations recognize Palestine, and in return, others in the Middle East formally acknowledge Israel.
Currently, Palestine is recognized by 147 out of 193 UN member states. However, most Western powers—including the United States, France, the UK, Germany, and Japan—have withheld recognition.
On the other hand, countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen have yet to recognize Israel. Macron’s initiative seeks to break this deadlock.
France Opposes Displacement and Annexation of Palestinians
Macron has also made clear where France stands on the current situation in Gaza and the West Bank.
On a recent visit to Egypt, he held discussions with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II.
During the visit, Macron stressed that France is firmly against any form of forced displacement or land annexation in Palestinian territories. This position follows France’s continued support for a two-state solution.
Israel Slams France’s Plan, Calling It a “Prize for Terror”
The reaction from Israel was swift and critical. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said France’s recognition of Palestine would reward extremist groups like Hamas.
“A ‘unilateral recognition’ of a fictional Palestinian state, by any country, in the reality that we all know, will be a prize for terror and a boost for Hamas,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Israel has long opposed outside countries recognizing Palestine, arguing that such steps undermine its security and legitimize groups involved in violence.
France’s move, while aimed at promoting diplomacy, is likely to create more friction with Israel as the situation in Gaza remains dire.
France’s decision to recognize Palestine could mark a turning point in its foreign policy approach to the region. As June approaches, all eyes will be on whether this move sparks further dialogue—or deepens existing divides.
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