Macron announces France-Saudi partnership to co-host conference on creating Palestinian state

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Tuesday, December 3, that he and Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, would co-chair a conference on the establishment of a Palestinian state in June. “We have decided to co-chair a conference for the two states in June next year,” Macron said, referring to Israel and a potential Palestinian state. “In the coming months, together we will multiply and combine our diplomatic initiatives to bring everyone along this path,” he added.

Responding to a question on whether France would recognize a Palestinian state, the French president said he would do so “at the right moment” and at a time “when it triggers reciprocal movements of recognition.”

“We want to involve several other partners and allies, both European and non-European, who are ready to move in this direction but who are waiting for France” he added.

Macron explained there was a simultaneous aim to “trigger a movement of recognition in favor of Israel,” which he said could “provide answers in terms of security for Israel and convince people that the two-state solution is a solution that is relevant for Israel.”

Saudi Arabia had appeared close to a deal to normalize relations with Israel prior to Hamas’s October 7, 2023, which has sparked nearly 14 months of war in Gaza. But Riyadh has indicated it is unwilling to move ahead while Israel pursues its campaign in Gaza, hardening its position in recent months and saying it would not recognize Israel without an independent Palestinian state.