Macron gears up for diplomatic showdown with US and Israel at UN - Politico
Photo: French President Emmanuel Macron (Getty Images)
At the UN General Assembly, French President Emmanuel Macron plans to rally a group of countries around the idea of recognizing the State of Palestine. His aim is to create a global counterweight to the positions of the US and Israel, according to Politico.
Paris proposes that a number of countries announce recognition of Palestine, including France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Portugal, Luxembourg, Malta, Andorra, Australia, and Canada. One French official called the move a "diplomatic victory" for Paris.
Macron's ultimate goal is to demonstrate that a global alternative exists to US President Donald Trump’s support for Israel’s war in Gaza and to increase international pressure for peace.
Division in the EU
Despite Macron's plans, the initiative has exposed deep divisions within the European Union. Germany, Italy, Greece, and the Netherlands refuse to join in recognizing Palestine.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz does not even plan to travel to New York, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stresses that she does not support recognizing the Palestinian state "prior to establishing it."
Diplomatic risks
One European diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that the risk lies in potential concessions to Israel under international pressure. However, he acknowledged that this is not happening, as the US remains Israel's main ally, and Tel Aviv is simply accelerating the annexation of the West Bank.
Another diplomat emphasized that as long as Israel has Washington's support and the Iron Dome defense system, the situation will not change.
For many observers, Macron's initiative is significant not as a quick result but as an attempt to shift Europe’s relationship with Israel.
On September 22, the French president will hold a conference at the UN on recognizing Palestine. He believes that a decision by France and several Western countries would be a landmark step toward peace in the Middle East.
Recognition of Palestine and controversies
In July this year, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France intends to recognize Palestine as a state. This was the first statement of its kind by a European leader.
Following this, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar contacted French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, urging France to refrain from unilateral recognition and warning that, if it went ahead, Macron could lose the ability to visit Israel.
After Macron, the United Kingdom announced its intention to recognize Palestine as a state. The decision is linked to escalating tensions in the Middle East and the lack of progress in resolving the conflict.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that Israeli hostages must be freed, while more aid should be sent to Gaza.
However, the United States has "disagreement" with the UK regarding recognition of Palestine. US President Donald Trump demands the immediate release of hostages still held by Hamas, citing shocking conditions of their captivity.
