Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has criticized French President Emmanuel Macron following comments made at the United Nations General Assembly, where Macron addressed issues concerning Hamas and the West Bank. Macron asserted that Hamas had “never operated in the West Bank,” a statement Netanyahu’s office quickly deemed inaccurate, citing instances of attacks attributed to Hamas in the region.
The tension between the two leaders was further fueled by a recent incident involving the killing of an Israeli-French citizen in the West Bank. Israeli officials attributed the attack to a Hamas-affiliated assailant, using this as a basis to counter Macron’s comments.
A French diplomatic official later clarified that Macron meant to convey that Hamas does not govern the West Bank, rather than suggesting the group has never been active there. While the Palestinian Authority exercises limited self-governance in parts of the territory, Israel maintains control over much of the area.
Macron’s speech also highlighted the humanitarian concerns in Gaza and ongoing developments in the West Bank, arguing that persistent violence and settlement activities are undermining the prospects of a two-state solution.
The remarks have surfaced amid ongoing disagreements between Israel and several European governments regarding the conflict in Gaza, Israeli settlement policies, and international efforts related to Palestinian statehood.