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After Emmanuel Macron stated the decision to support Palestinian statehood, the move sparked an angry backlash from Tel Aviv and caused a diplomatic crisis with the US.

Netanyahu issued a rebuke asserting the French government of neglecting to confront growing anti-Jewish sentiment within the country. Netanyahu claimed that recognising Palestine would only fuel antisemitic sentiments.

Answering back, France’s government dismissed his accusations as “abhorrent” and emphasised that the French takes no instruction on how to fight antisemitism.

Charles Kushner, on the other hand, sided with the Israeli leader in a written statement, saying that statehood for Palestinians would risk Jewish lives in France and empower extremist groups.

France summoned the US envoy, declaring that his remarks were “out of line” and breached international norms of non-interference.

It is true, antisemitism persists as a major concern in France, with an extensive legacy of prejudice and hostile acts. Since the October 7 attacks, numbers of antisemitic acts have increased notably.

The nation has also had difficulty dealing with systemic bigotry, not limited to acts directed at Muslim communities. Despite ongoing appeals for change, lacking institutions are in place to address structural prejudice.

However the lack of progress should not discredit the argument for supporting Palestinian statehood. Suggesting that criticism of Israel is equivalent with prejudice against Jews is a misleading argument.

Worldwide, most UN member states have already acknowledge an independent Palestine. Why is this decision significant is that it marks the first move by an influential country.

Given the ongoing war in Palestinian territories, a place where many lost their lives and complete areas have been destroyed, acknowledging Palestinian statehood seems an ethical obligation.

Tel Aviv, however, persists to expand colonies in occupied territories, flouting international law. This policy prompt doubts about the practicality of an eventual Palestinian state.

Macron intends to deliver an official statement at the United Nations in the coming days. However critics wonder: Should France not take more concrete steps, such as sanctions against Netanyahu’s administration?

Regardless of worldwide condemnation and allegations of war crimes, Israel persists to get military support and trade benefits from the EU.

Paris is alleged of supplying weaponry to the Israeli military, while condemning the conflict in the region. That inconsistency weakens the credibility of Macron’s announcement.

This move furthermore raises questions about his motives. Following losing support at home, Macron could be seeking a mark on global politics.

Supporting Palestinian statehood years ago could have made a difference. Taking this step today, however, seems like a cynical gesture instead of a genuine commitment toward peace.