In a tense phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that establishing a Palestinian state would be “a huge reward for terrorism” and would create an extremist-run entity just kilometers from Israeli cities.
Netanyahu reiterated his government’s firm stance against statehood for Palestinians, arguing it would endanger Israeli security and reward what he described as violent actors.
Meanwhile, President Macron urged Netanyahu to implement a new ceasefire, release hostages, and resume humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza, which have been largely blocked for over a month.
Macron has recently stated that France aims to recognize a Palestinian state by June, aligning with an upcoming international conference co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, aimed at reviving the two-state solution.
The comments come amid growing diplomatic momentum in Europe, where several countries have already recognized the State of Palestine, hoping to revive peace negotiations stalled for years.
The Palestinian diplomatic corps condemned Netanyahu’s remarks as inflammatory and obstructive to long-term peace in the region.
