French President Emmanuel Macron has sent a sharply worded public letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The letter, dated August 26, warns that Israel risks losing a “historic opportunity” for peace. Macron said that Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and its settlement policies in the West Bank would not achieve victory.
A Strong Rebuke
Macron wrote the letter after Netanyahu accused France of supporting antisemitism. The French president called the accusations “unacceptable” and “an offence to France.” He stated that the occupation of Gaza, the forced displacement of Palestinians, and the annexation of the West Bank would only isolate Israel. He also warned that these actions would “endanger Jewish communities around the world.” Macron appealed to Netanyahu to end the “illegal permanent war in Gaza.”
Defending France’s Record
Macron dedicated a significant part of his letter to defending France’s record on antisemitism. He pointed to his 2017 support for the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition. He also noted France’s recent laws to fight antisemitism in higher education. Additionally, he mentioned the deployment of 15,000 police officers to protect Jewish sites after the October 7, 2023, attack. Macron insisted that the fight against antisemitism should not be used as a political tool.
A Call for a Two-State Solution
At the heart of Macron’s message was his belief that a demilitarized Palestinian state is the only way to guarantee Israel’s long-term security. He said that a two-state solution is the only way to “truly eradicate Hamas” and ensure Israel’s young people are not consumed by a “permanent war.” Macron also mentioned French and Saudi efforts to create a “Day After” plan for Gaza. The plan would involve international partners taking on temporary security roles and helping to rebuild the territory. Macron said this was an “unprecedented” commitment in the face of the “terrible humanitarian disaster in Gaza.”
