Netanyahu Opposes Macron's Palestinian State Support Amid Son's Vulgar Message, June UN Conference Planned

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed strong opposition to French President Emmanuel Macron's support for the establishment of a Palestinian state. In a series of public statements and a phone call between the two leaders, Netanyahu criticized Macron's stance, calling it a 'grave mistake' and asserting that a Palestinian state would pose a threat to Israel's existence. The tension escalated after Yair Netanyahu, the son of the Israeli Prime Minister, posted a vulgar message on social media directed at Macron, saying 'screw you' in response to Macron's comments on Palestinian statehood. Benjamin Netanyahu, while distancing himself from his son's language, supported his son's sentiment, describing him as a 'true Zionist' concerned about Israel's future. Macron has reiterated France's commitment to Israel's security and the need for a ceasefire in Gaza to facilitate the release of hostages and the delivery of humanitarian aid. He emphasized that a ceasefire is the only way to ensure the liberation of hostages still held by Hamas and stressed the importance of disarming the group. The French President also mentioned a forthcoming conference in June, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia at the United Nations, aimed at advancing the recognition of a Palestinian state and fostering peace in the region. This initiative has been met with resistance from Netanyahu, who argues that it would reward terrorism. Netanyahu also criticized France for opposing independence for territories like Corsica, New Caledonia, and French Guiana.