Secretary of State Marco Rubio has condemned French President Emmanuel Macron’s move to recognize a Palestinian state.

Rubio described the decision, which was announced on Thursday, as a “slap in the face” to victims of the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.

Newsweek contacted the offices of Macron and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a response to the statement.

The Context

The war in Gaza began when the Palestinian Hamas movement launched a surprise attack against Israel on October 7, 2023.

Macron’s decision comes amid a wave of nations moving to recognize Palestinian statehood, bringing the number closer to the number of nations recognizing Israel.

Of the 193 U.N. member states, approximately 147 currently recognize the State of Palestine, which was granted non-member observer status at the U.N. in 2012. Israel, which is a full member of the U.N., is currently recognized by around 165 U.N. member states.

What To Know

In a statement published on X, Rubio said that the White House would reject Macron’s decision.

“The United States strongly rejects Emmanuel Macron‘s plan to recognize a Palestinian state at the U.N. General Assembly,” Rubio said.

“This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace. It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th.”

In Macron’s statement announcing the decision, the French president said that “There is no alternative” to finding peace in the Middle East, and that it was the responsibility of other international leaders to follow suit.

“We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and massive humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. We must also ensure the demilitarization of Hamas, secure and rebuild Gaza,” Macron said.

“And finally, we must build the State of Palestine, guarantee its viability, and ensure that by accepting its demilitarization and fully recognizing Israel, it contributes to the security of all in the region.”

In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a statement on Thursday, said: “We strongly condemn President Macron’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state next to Tel Aviv in the wake of the October 7 massacre. Such a move rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became.

“A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel — not to live in peace beside it. Let’s be clear: the Palestinians do not seek a state alongside Israel; they seek a state instead of Israel.”

What People Are Saying

In a statement shared with Newsweek, Danny Danon, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations said: “Neither international conferences disconnected from reality nor unilateral statements at the U.N. will lead to peace.

“Macron’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state after the massacre of October 7 and precisely at a time when Hamas is still holding hostages is a disgraceful reward for terrorism.”

What Happens Next

As a major European power and a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, France’s shift has the potential to spur further recognition of Palestinian statehood across Europe and beyond.