Macron Pushes For 'Lasting Israeli-Palestinian Peace', Two-State Solution

Macron: France willing to contribute to efforts to achieve 'two-state solution'

Arutz Sheva Staff

French President Emmanuel Macron, in an historic address to the American Jewish Committee (AJC) Virtual Global Forum, on Wednesday reaffirmed his commitments to combat anti-Semitism, strengthen France's relations with Israel and the United States, and ensure that Iran's ballistic missile and regional activities are addressed in any agreement.

It was Macron's first address to an American Jewish organization since his election as president four years ago.

"Anti-Semitism is, as it always has been, an unacceptable, unjustifiable menace, in the face of which we must relentlessly mobilize all our energies," said Macron. "I want to remind you of my unwavering commitment, and that of the French government, to protect all of the population and fight against all forms of violence and discrimination."

Combating anti-Semitism "begins with the ability to name this evil that eats away at our society," said Macron, noting that France adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of anti-Semitism in December 2019.

At the same time, he stressed emphasized that a definition "is not enough," and outlined several actions his administration has taken to implement a national plan to combat anti-Semitism.

"Education is at the heart of the fight against anti-Semitism," Macron said. "Holocaust education, as well as education about the manifestations of contemporary antisemitism, aims to remove prejudices and break down stereotypes."

Turning to the Middle East, Macron noted, "France's profound attachment to Israel's security since its creation and to its right to defend itself in accordance with international law has never wavered."

He said that recent events, referring to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, "demonstrate the necessity for a decisive boost to the negotiations" to achieve lasting Israeli-Palestinian peace.

"We know the parameters to reach a two-state solution, and France stands willing to contribute, while respecting the legitimate aspirations of each party," asserted Macron.

He praised the "normalization of relations between Israel and France's other essential partners," especially Morocco and the UAE, adding that Sudan "must be supported in its transition process."

On the Iranian nuclear issue, Macron said, "there is no alternative to a negotiated solution," and that France, since President Biden's election, has been working with the US and other partners "to find a solution that maintains security and stability in the region in the long term."

"Iran must show evidence of their responsibility in the region," said Macron. France, he added, has been proposing since 2018 "to supplement the JCPOA by taking into account Iran's ballistics activities and regional destabilizations."