Rubio Slams France’s Recognition of Palestine as a “Reckless Decision”

Washington – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has sharply criticized French President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to officially recognize the State of Palestine, calling it a “reckless move” that undermines peace and strengthens extremist groups.

“The United States strongly rejects Emmanuel Macron’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly. This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace. It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7,” Rubio said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday.

The criticism follows Macron’s public announcement confirming France’s decision to formally recognize Palestine.

“In line with France’s historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine. I will make this solemn declaration before the United Nations General Assembly this September. The immediate priority is to end the war in Gaza and provide relief to civilians,” Macron posted on social media.

The announcement drew swift condemnation from Israeli leaders. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Macron’s move “rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy.”

“We strongly oppose President Macron’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state near Tel Aviv following the October 7 massacre. Such a move rewards terrorism and paves the way for another Iranian-controlled regime, just like Gaza. Under these conditions, a Palestinian state would serve as a launchpad to destroy Israel — not coexist with it. The Palestinian leadership does not seek peace with Israel, but its replacement,” Netanyahu wrote on X.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also issued a scathing response: “The French President’s attempt to manufacture an imaginary solution with mere words is both absurd and unserious. The criteria Macron himself outlined just weeks ago have now vanished. All that’s left is the illusion of a state he claims to create.”

Sa’ar added, “A Palestinian state would inevitably become a Hamas state — just as our withdrawal from Gaza led to Hamas seizing control there two decades ago.”

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz echoed the outrage, calling Macron’s move “a disgrace and surrender to terrorism.”

“By announcing his intention to recognize a Palestinian state, President Macron is granting legitimacy and encouragement to the terrorists and rapists of Hamas who carried out the most horrific massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. Instead of supporting Israel in this time of crisis, the French president is weakening our position,” Katz said.

“We will never allow the creation of a Palestinian entity that jeopardizes our security, threatens our existence, or undermines our historic right to the Land of Israel. We stand united in opposition to this dangerous development,” he added.

With inputs from IANS