French President Emmanuel Macron stated on Wednesday that any Israeli attempt to annex parts of the West Bank would be a red line for the United States and would end Arab-Israeli diplomatic normalization. He claimed to have received this assurance from Donald Trump.
Macron also revealed that he presented Trump with a three-page plan for Palestine’s future, based on the New York Declaration—a document supported by over 143 countries that aims to exclude Hamas from governing Gaza and the West Bank.
In an interview with France 24, Macron said his goal in meeting Trump on Tuesday was to align the positions of the U.S., Europe, and Arab states. When asked about Israeli settlement expansion plans in the West Bank—including the E1 corridor project involving 3,400 new homes—he stated, “On that topic, in very clear terms, the Europeans and the Americans are on the same page.”
British officials have raised concerns that Trump might recognize Israeli sovereignty over illegal West Bank settlements in retaliation for the UK, Australia, France, and others recognizing Palestine. Such a move would severely undermine the two-state solution.
Macron warned that annexation “would be the end of the Abraham Accords, which was one of the success stories from Trump’s first administration. The United Arab Emirates were very clear on it.” He added, “I think it is a red line for the USA.”
His comments offer the clearest look yet at behind-the-scenes diplomacy regarding post-conflict plans for Gaza. The 2020 Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations including the UAE, are considered a major diplomatic achievement of Trump’s first term.
If Trump insists against annexation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could face significant political pressure, as factions within his far-right coalition demand Israel seize parts or all of the West Bank. Conversely, if Netanyahu proceeds with annexation—with U.S. support or silence—the two-state solution would be critically endangered.
Netanyahu is scheduled to meet Trump at the White House on Monday and address the UN General Assembly on Friday.
Macron described the first step of his “brand new” multi-stage plan as securing a ceasefire and the release of all hostages. He said he appealed directly to Trump, telling him, “You have a major role to play and you want to see peace in the world.” Macron emphasized the need to “convince the Americans to put pressure on Israel,” noting the U.S. holds “real leverage.”
Meanwhile, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff stated that the president presented a 21-point Middle East peace plan to regional Arab and Muslim leaders on Tuesday. Speaking at a UN side event, Witkoff expressed hope, saying, “We’re hopeful—and I might say even confident—that in the coming days we’ll be able to announce some sort of breakthrough.”We use your data as outlined in our Privacy Policy. To protect our website, we use Google reCaptcha, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
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Macron stated that France’s recognition of the state of Palestine was meant to restart the peace process, which he believes is the best way to isolate Hamas. He emphasized the goal of demilitarizing and dismantling the militant group.
However, he suggested that some right-wing members of Israel’s cabinet are more focused on sabotaging any political agreement. “The aim of some is not to fight Hamas but to undermine the chance for peace,” he said, adding, “There is no Hamas in the West Bank.”
Macron stressed that Netanyahu’s strategy of total war has failed, as it endangers hostages and has not reduced Hamas’s military strength. “There are just as many Hamas fighters as before. From a practical standpoint, total war isn’t working. This war is a failure.”
He argued that the fate of hostages and Gaza’s civilians should not be left “in the hands of those who don’t prioritize their release.” Macron added, “Netanyahu’s main priority isn’t the hostages—otherwise, he wouldn’t have launched the recent offensive on Gaza City or struck negotiators in Qatar.”
He insisted that, as part of a future governance plan for Gaza and the West Bank, Hamas would be removed and a reformed Palestinian Authority would eventually take over, though he provided no timeline.
Macron warned that if the fighting doesn’t stop in the coming days, Europe will need to consider further steps. When asked if that meant sanctions, he replied, “Obviously.” Questioned about securing majority support for EU sanctions, he said he is working to build consensus, noting that each country has its own history and sensitivities—a reference to Germany and Italy, which have resisted sanctions.
Arguing that Palestinians must be offered a political future, Macron said the heart of his argument is that “if you don’t give people a political path to their legitimate existence—recognized by the international community 78 years ago—you lead them to hopelessness or even worse violence.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about French President Emmanuel Macrons statement regarding the West Bank designed to be clear and helpful for a range of readers
FAQs Macrons Red Line Comment on the West Bank
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 What exactly did President Macron say
He stated that any attempt by the United States to formally recognize Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank would cross a red line for France
2 What is the West Bank
The West Bank is a landlocked territory located west of the Jordan River It is a central part of the IsraeliPalestinian conflict as Palestinians seek it for a future independent state while Israel has built settlements there
3 What does annexation mean in this context
Annexation is when one country declares another territory to be officially and permanently part of its own In this case it would mean Israel applying its laws to parts or all of the West Bank
4 What is a red line in politics
A red line is a strong warning It signifies a limit that if crossed will trigger a serious response or a significant change in policy from the country issuing the warning
5 Why is France commenting on this
France is a major European power and a permanent member of the UN Security Council It has a longstanding policy of supporting a twostate solution and sees annexation as a major obstacle to that goal
AdvancedLevel Questions
6 What specific response did Macron threaten if this red line is crossed
While he didnt give a precise action crossing a red line typically implies consequences like imposing diplomatic sanctions supporting UN resolutions against Israel or reassessing economic and military partnerships
7 How does the US position play into this
Macrons comment was directed at the US because the Trump administrations peace plan supported Israeli annexation of parts of the West Bank Macron is warning that if the US actively supports this move France will strongly oppose it
8 What is the difference between annexation and the existing settlements
Settlements are Israeli communities built in the West Bank They are considered illegal under international law by most countries but the land is not officially declared part
