France Retreats from Palestinian Statehood Push Amid U.S. Pressure Ahead of UN Conference

Watan-France has long sought to lead Europe’s engagement in Middle East affairs, but recently received a clear message: “Slow down, and yield to the White House.”

As a result, France has decided not to push for formal recognition of a Palestinian state during next week’s international conference (June 17–20) at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

Despite the event being officially titled a “Conference on Palestinian State Recognition,” the decision followed a series of warnings and diplomatic pressure from the U.S. administration. The French move reflects growing U.S. insistence on controlling the political framing of Middle East peace processes—especially under the leadership of President Donald Trump.

France has been active in regional negotiations, playing a role in ceasefire efforts with Hezbollah and the maritime border deal between Israel and Lebanon. French President Emmanuel Macron even controversially hosted Syria’s former jihadist leader Abu Mohammad al-Julani at the Élysée Palace, signaling an intent to reframe regional leadership structures.

But Macron has also emerged as one of Europe’s strongest critics of Israel’s war on Gaza. Alongside Spain and Ireland, he has supported suspending EU-Israel economic relations and halting ongoing trade harmonization talks.

“Too Far for Washington”

The New York conference, co-organized by France and Saudi Arabia, had initially aimed to secure recognition of the State of Palestine and its leadership under Mahmoud Abbas. According to American and Arab diplomatic sources, both the White House and U.S. State Department issued severe warnings to Macron, cautioning that any declaration—even symbolic—would be seen as a provocation.

Macron reportedly tested the waters with several European leaders and received at least four positive signals regarding potential recognition announcements during the event. But Washington quickly escalated its rhetoric. A senior American source revealed that French officials were told:
“If even one Western country recognizes Palestine during this conference on American soil, it will be perceived as a personal insult to President Trump.”

Following this threat, France backed down. French officials briefed Israeli media to stress the “pro-Israel” aspects of the conference and distanced it from recognition goals. They emphasized demands for the release of hostages, disarming Hamas, excluding it from Gaza’s future leadership, and securing PA commitments to end incitement and terror-related payments—effectively aligning with Israeli demands.

A senior Macron aide reportedly told Israeli officials: “This conference serves Israel’s interests. Arab participants will support the same conditions.”

Nevertheless, France feared some Western countries might proceed with recognition independently. U.S. diplomats contacted several suspect states and warned them against such steps. One country reportedly responded that UN headquarters in New York is legally international territory and not subject to U.S. jurisdiction.

Strategic Concessions

The U.S. also applied pressure through strategic economic channels. The Paris Air Show, one of the world’s largest aerospace and defense expos, opens next week at Le Bourget. Dozens of Israeli companies—including IAI, Elbit, and Rafael—are set to participate.

While France has previously attempted to limit Israeli participation in certain military exhibitions, it ultimately allowed them access. Despite legal action from pro-Palestinian groups, no French court has ruled to ban Israeli firms from attending this year’s show.

The 2023 Air Show is a major platform for Israeli defense industries, especially amid increased demand following the Russia-Ukraine war. France, under U.S. scrutiny and regional political pressures, now finds itself walking a tightrope—balancing pro-Israel obligations with international calls for Palestinian justice and statehood.