Saturday, March 29, 2025
US Slams France’s Recognition of Palestine; Rubio Calls It ‘A Reckless Decision’
Washington/Paris, July 25, 2025 — The United States has strongly criticized France’s decision to formally recognize the State of Palestine, calling it reckless and detrimental to peace efforts. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a scathing rebuke on social media platform X, denouncing the move as an “insult to the victims of the October 7 attacks.”
In his statement, Rubio wrote:
“The United States strongly rejects @EmmanuelMacron’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state at the @UN General Assembly. This reckless decision serves only Hamas propaganda and undermines peace. It’s a slap in the face to the victims of October 7.”
Rubio’s condemnation came after French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday that France would take formal steps to recognize Palestinian statehood at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session in September. Macron framed the move as a necessary step toward advancing peace in the Middle East.
However, Rubio and several American officials view the recognition as legitimizing terrorism. He argued that the decision fails to acknowledge the suffering caused by Hamas and instead emboldens extremists.
Israel joined the United States in denouncing France’s proposal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, quoted by AFP, said:
“It must be made clear: The Palestinians do not want a state alongside Israel; they want a state instead of Israel.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also criticized Macron’s decision, calling it a strategic failure. He warned:
“A Palestinian state will be a Hamas state—just as the group took control of Gaza after Israel withdrew 20 years ago. President Macron cannot guarantee Israel’s security. Let’s hope he can secure the streets of Paris.”
Sa’ar further stated that basing Israel’s security on Palestinian promises has already proven disastrous under the Oslo Accords.
“Israel will not gamble its security and future again,” he added.
In an open letter published on X, President Macron defended France’s position, explaining that the move was intended to help end the war in Gaza and protect civilian lives.
“We must ultimately build a Palestinian state, ensure its viability, support its demilitarization, and require full recognition of Israel. This will contribute to the security of all in the Middle East,” Macron wrote.
France’s move aligns it with 147 other nations that have already extended formal recognition to the State of Palestine. It also comes amid growing international criticism of Israel’s military operations in Gaza and increasing calls for an end to the conflict and for greater humanitarian access.
France’s initiative further deepens the diplomatic rift between Israel and its Western allies. While France frames the recognition as a peace-building measure, the U.S. and Israel argue that it risks legitimizing Hamas and complicating regional security.
The coming UN General Assembly session is likely to see heated debate as geopolitical powers clash over the path forward for Palestine, Israel, and the broader Middle East.
