French President Emmanuel Macron, in a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the 26th, stated that occupying Gaza, forcing Palestinians to be displaced and hungry, spreading hateful rhetoric, and annexing the West Bank will never bring victory to Israel.
He said: "On the contrary, these actions will only increase your country's isolation, fuel those who use this as an excuse to carry out anti-Semitic activities, and put Jewish communities around the world at risk."
On the 17th, Netanyahu sent a letter to Macron, expressing concern about the "rise of anti-Semitism in France" and criticizing France's intent to recognize a Palestinian state.
In his reply, Macron stated that since Netanyahu had publicly disclosed the letter's contents before he received it, out of reciprocity, he also chose to publish his response in the media.
He said that France has always actively combated anti-Semitic actions, but Netanyahu's accusation of France as "inaction" in his letter is unacceptable and constitutes an "insult" to the entire country.
Macron called on Israel to stop its "deadly and illegal long-term war" in Gaza, "because this will bring shame to your country and lead your people into hardship."
He also urged Israel to stop the "illegal and unjustified" expansion of settlements in the West Bank.
He reiterated that France is determined to recognize a Palestinian state: "Achieving lasting peace requires the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state, one that recognizes Israel and its right to security, is demilitarized, and lives peacefully alongside Israel."