U.S. Opposes France’s Recognition of Palestine as Saudi Arabia Welcomes Move

France’s formal recognition of the State of Palestine has triggered a wave of international responses, drawing sharp criticism from the United States and praise from key Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia. President Emmanuel Macron confirmed France’s position in a letter to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, stating that the country would support Palestine’s recognition at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September. The French government described the decision as a reaffirmation of its long-standing support for a two-state solution. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the move, calling it “reckless” and accusing France of undermining efforts toward peace while legitimizing Hamas. Rubio said the decision was a setback for the victims of Hamas’s October 7 attacks and would complicate regional stability. Several Republican lawmakers echoed his stance, with Senators Lindsey Graham and Tom Cotton warning that the recognition could embolden extremists and isolate Israel. Former President Donald Trump offered a more dismissive reaction, saying the decision “changes nothing” and has no meaningful impact on the situation. In contrast, Saudi Arabia welcomed France’s recognition as a historic development. In an official statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry praised Macron’s leadership and said the move aligned with international law and the Arab Peace Initiative. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas thanked Saudi Arabia for its role in rallying diplomatic support, calling France’s recognition a major diplomatic victory. Gulf nations including Qatar and Kuwait also supported the decision and urged other Western nations to follow France’s lead. France and Saudi Arabia are now coordinating efforts ahead of a United Nations ministerial conference in New York scheduled for July 28–29, where they plan to introduce a roadmap for peace in the region. The proposed initiative includes Palestinian demilitarization, the reconstruction of Gaza, and measures to marginalize Hamas. Reports suggest several Arab nations may issue a formal condemnation of Hamas during the conference in a bid to gain wider support for Palestinian statehood. The Israeli government has strongly opposed France’s action. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office described the recognition as “a reward for terror,” accusing France of undermining Israeli security and violating diplomatic norms. Israel maintains that any recognition of Palestinian statehood must come through direct negotiations and mutual agreement. Although France’s recognition does not carry legal force in terms of UN membership, it has added new momentum to a growing international debate over how to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. With the war in Gaza ongoing and the humanitarian situation deteriorating, France’s move is seen as an attempt to revive stalled peace efforts and shift global diplomatic focus back to a two-state framework.