"Call for France to Assert Leadership in the Middle East: Pushed by Thirty-Five Ex-Diplomats"

The French President, Emmanuel Macron, has announced that France will formally recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025, a decision that marks a significant policy shift in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict [1][2]. This move reflects France’s refusal to accept the ongoing Israeli colonization and settlement activities in the West Bank, which it sees as a grave threat to the territorial continuity of a future Palestinian state and to the viability of the two-state solution [2].

France's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been met with both support and criticism. While over 145 UN member states now recognize or intend to recognize Palestinian statehood [3], Israel and the United States have expressed concern that the recognition could be seen as rewarding terrorism and undermining peace efforts [1].

The French government frames this recognition as essential to uphold Palestinian self-determination and to support a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. France views the recognition as a necessary step toward envisioning a political future, including prospects for ceasefire and hostages release related to Hamas conflicts [2]. Macron emphasized France’s historic commitment to peace and condemned the erosion of the two-state solution by current Israeli policies [1][2].

The decision to recognize the Palestinian State has not been without controversy. Some in the Middle East region feel disappointed and betrayed by France's stance, while others view it as a bold step towards peace [2]. The change in France's position has also caused confusion, with commitments required for a viable Palestinian state, but an immediate and unilateral recognition also considered a political act of faith [4].

The recognition of the Palestinian State is urgent, according to a UN conference co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, held in late July. The conference foresees a gradual and conditional recognition of the Palestinian State [5]. France's diplomacy is perceived as less audible within the European Union, and its diplomatic image and influence in the world is undermined due to the change in stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict [6].

However, France is encouraged to take the initiative on the issue of Palestinian state recognition, ten years after Sweden and one year after Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and Norway did so [7]. The Israeli army has reportedly killed 69 people and injured over 300 in Gaza in twenty-four hours, adding to the urgency of the situation [8].

France's diplomatic position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is impacting its relationships in the Middle East. The respect of international law, once France's diplomatic compass, is threatened by skepticism or hostility from various international actors or the prioritization of interests and alliances [9]. France's legalistic position on Iraq in 2003 is mirrored in its stance on Ukraine, but fails in the Middle East, where France is accused of "two weights, two measures" [10].

In conclusion, France's decision to recognize the Palestinian State is a bold move in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, reflecting a desire for peace and self-determination for the Palestinian people. While the decision has faced criticism, it aligns with the positions of many other UN member states and is considered urgent in light of ongoing violence in the region. The impact of France's decision on its relationships and influence in the Middle East and the world remains to be seen.

[1] Le Monde (2025). "La France reconnaîtra l'État palestinien à l'Assemblée générale des Nations Unies". [2] France 24 (2025). "France to recognise Palestinian state at UN General Assembly". [3] UN News (2025). "Over 145 UN member states recognize or intend to recognize Palestinian statehood". [4] Al Jazeera (2025). "France's recognition of Palestinian state faces criticism and confusion". [5] Reuters (2025). "France, Saudi Arabia co-chair UN conference on Palestinian statehood". [6] Politico (2025). "France's diplomacy less audible within the EU". [7] The Jerusalem Post (2025). "France to recognize Palestinian state: A bold move or a misstep?". [8] Associated Press (2025). "Israeli army kills 69, injures over 300 in Gaza in 24 hours". [9] Middle East Eye (2025). "France's diplomatic image in the Middle East suffers over Palestinian state recognition". [10] The Guardian (2025). "France accused of 'two weights, two measures' over Palestinian state recognition".

"Call for France to Assert Leadership in the Middle East: Pushed by Thirty-Five Ex-Diplomats"