Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders issued strong condemnations following French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement that France would recognize a Palestinian state, warning that the move rewards terrorism and undermines Israel’s security, writes The Jerusalem Post.

Netanyahu issued a statement condemning the move, saying:

“We strongly condemn President Macron’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state next to Tel Aviv in the wake of the October 7 massacre. Such a move rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became. A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel - not to live in peace beside it.

Let’s be clear: the Palestinians do not seek a state alongside Israel; they seek a state instead of Israel”.