Israeli and U.S. leaders have denounced President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement that his country will recognize Palestinian statehood, becoming the first major Western power to do so. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “strongly condemned” the move,

France faces sharp criticism from Israel and the US after announcing plans to recognise Palestinian statehood, in a bold move to revive peace efforts.

France will officially recognize the state of Palestine, "true to its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East," Emmanuel Macron said.