Since Tiberias, the capital of Galileo, in northern Israel, Yuval does not hide its disappointment. “Israel and France share common strategic values and interests, first of all, the fight against terrorism, Recalls the thirties, angry. However, since its creation, and more particularly in the past two years, the country actively fights against terrorism. Recognizing a Palestinian state at this stage sends an erroneous message: that terrorism is effective and violence can lead to political achievements. »»
According to him, Macron “Undermines the global fight against terrorism and threatens not only the security of Israel, but also international stability”. He wants as proof: “Hamas welcomed this statement. Which side is it? »»
“A total capitulation in the face of terrorism”
A feeling shared far beyond the north of the country. As in Tel Aviv, where Eliyahu, another young thirties, sees in the initiative of the French head of state an insult to the memory of the victims of October 7: ” By recognizing Palestine, President Macron offers a political victory in Hamas, which still retains 50 hostages. This decision does not commit, does not bring anyone together. It is an electoral maneuver, in full anti -Semitic flambé! »»
A political diversion?
Tobias, based in Netanya, perceives the gesture of the French president as an abandonment. “It is a total capitulation in the face of terrorism. We are in the midst of a bloody war and France decides to offer this gift to organizations calling for the destruction of Israel and the Jewish people, which feels so alone since October 7 ».
“Once again, the Jews of France and Israel are sacrificed on the altar of electoral calculations”
In Jerusalem, the answer is just as severe. Jérôme, tourist guide, denounces a political diversion from Emmanuel Macron: “ As Donald Trump said, this announcement will probably have no concrete weight. It will not change anything, if not divert the attention of French difficulties. It would be better to focus on your own country. »»
A reproach taken up with even more virulence by his friend Yossi. “” Once again, the Jews of France and Israel are sacrificed on the altar of the electoral calculations of a president obsessed with his posterityregret L’Franco-Israeli entrepreneur. This recognition of an alleged Palestinian state-in reality a white-selling given to Hamas terrorists-is as empty as his speeches. »»
If the French position was previously perceived as balanced but united in the face of terrorism, for many, this recognition does not reward a legitimate political project, but to ratify a strategy of terror. And in this feeling of loneliness, it is also the link with the Jews of France who vacillates.
The moment chosen by Emmanuel Macron to recognize a Palestinian state questions the Israelis. Because Hamas remains operational: it retains its arsenal and still retains hostages. Thus, within Israeli opinion, the French announcement is less like a mature diplomatic gesture than a precipitated initiative. For part of the population, the French president yields to media pressure and seems above all guided by his desire to weigh on the international scene.
