US Envoy to Israel: France Can ‘Carve' Palestinian State out of Riviera
The US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has attacked France's call for recognizing the Palestinian state, stating that if it adopted such an outcome, it could 'carve out a piece of the French Riviera' and create one, according to Al-Arabiya. Attacking France
The ambassador described the initiative at the UN as 'incredibly inappropriate when Israel is in the midst of a war.'
'If France is really so determined to see a Palestinian state, I've got a suggestion for them — carve out a piece of the French Riviera and create a Palestinian state. They are welcome to do that, but they are not welcome to impose that kind of pressure on a sovereign nation,' Huckabee said.
France and Saudi Arabia are set to co-chair an international conference this month at the UN in order to deeply consider a two-state solution.
Meanwhile, Paris has unveiled that it could formally recognize a Palestinian state this year. Israel's Rejection of Palestinian State
On Friday, Israel accused French President Emmanuel Macron of undertaking a 'crusade against the Jewish state.'
The Israeli statement came after Macron's call for European countries to toughen up their stance on Israel if the humanitarian situation in Gaza did not improve. Unusual Response
On Thursday, Israel announced the creation of 22 new settlements in the West Bank.
Consequently, Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Friday that Israel planned to build a 'Jewish Israeli state' in the occupied West Bank.
'This is a decisive response to the terrorist organizations that are trying to harm and weaken our hold on this land,' Katz said.
Katz also noted that the new settlements would be a clear message to French President Emmanuel Macron and his associates: they will recognize a Palestinian state on paper – but Israel will build the Jewish Israeli state here on the ground. Serious Steps towards Recognition
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has recently said that France was 'determined' to recognize a Palestinian State.
Barrot also condemned Israel's 'indefensible' situation in Gaza caused by its heavy airstrikes and blockade of humanitarian aid.
'We cannot leave the children of Gaza a legacy of violence and hatred. So, all this must stop, and that's why we are determined to recognize a Palestinian state,' Barrot told France Inter radio.
Related Topics:
France May Toughen Stance on Israel Over Gaza Aid Blockage
Israel Plans to Build Jewish Israeli State in West Bank
France 'Determined' to Recognize Palestinian State, PM Says
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