Creation of a Palestinian state: France will co-chair a conference in June 2025

France on the front line. The President of the Republic Emmanuel Macron announced on Tuesday that he would co-chair with the crown prince and de facto leader of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman a conference on the creation of a Palestinian state in June 2025.

“Will” to recognize a Palestinian state, but…

“We have decided to co-chair for next June […] a conference for the two states (one Israeli, the other Palestinian) with the idea that in the coming months, together, we multiply and unite our diplomatic initiatives to take everyone on this path”the head of state told journalists on the second day of his state visit to Saudi Arabia.

Asked about recognition of a Palestinian state by France, Emmanuel Macron reiterated that he had the “will to do it” more “at the useful moment (that is to say) when it triggers reciprocal movements of recognition”. “We wish to involve several other partners and allies, European and non-European, who are ready to go in this direction, but who are waiting for France”he added. It is also about “in doing so, trigger a movement of recognition in favor of Israel which will also make it possible to provide answers in terms of security for Israel and to convince that the two-State solution is a solution which is relevant for Israel itself”.

Saudi Arabia, home to Islam's holiest sites, is engaged in talks with Washington to normalize relations with Israel and grant US security guarantees. But in mid-September, the crown prince ruled out recognition of Israel before the “creation of a Palestinian state”alongside that of Israel. Both Paris and Riyadh are pushing for “two-state solution”rejected by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.