US ambassador condemns Macron's push for Palestinian state recognition

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has strongly condemned recent French government statements against Israel, criticising France’s efforts to promote the creation of a Palestinian state.

“If France is really so determined to see a Palestinian state, I have a suggestion for them–carve out a piece of the French Riviera and create a Palestinian state. They are welcome to do that, but they are not welcome to impose that kind of pressure on a sovereign nation. And I find it revolting that they think they have the right to do such a thing,” Huckabee told Fox News Digital in an exclusive interview in Jerusalem, as per Caliber.Az.

He underscored that the United States will not participate in a conference next month in New York City hosted by France and Saudi Arabia aimed at promoting the recognition of a Palestinian state.

Let’s note that French President Emmanuel Macron has recently expressed strong support for recognising a Palestinian state, emphasising that such a move is "not a taboo for France." He has indicated that France could officially recognise Palestine as early as June 2025, coinciding with an international conference on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia in New York.

Macron has framed this potential recognition as both a "moral obligation" and a "political necessity," particularly in light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He has also called for reforms within the Palestinian Authority to ensure it can effectively govern and represent Palestinians across all territories.

By Khagan Isayev