Israel denounces ‘grotesque absurdity’ of Macron’s UN remarks on West Bank
Israel has strongly condemned French President Emmanuel Macron for his UN remarks regarding the West Bank, labeling them as absurd. The dispute centers on Macron's claims about Hamas activity in the region and the broader humanitarian situation.
Why it matters
This diplomatic friction highlights the volatile nature of international relations regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Israel rebuked French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday (September 22, 2026) after he criticised Israeli actions in the West Bank in his speech at the United Nations General Assembly.
In his last speech as President addressing the UN's signature annual diplomatic gathering, Mr. Macron deplored the humanitarian situation in Gaza — from which Hamas led the October 7, 2023 attack, the deadliest ever against Israel — as well as actions by Israel in the West Bank.
Mr. Macron said that "Hamas has never struck in the West Bank”, a territory seized by Israel in 1967 that is home to the Palestinian Authority.
"The grotesque absurdity of Emmanuel Macron's statement is staggering," said a statement from the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is expected to deliver a defiant address to the world body on Thursday (September 24, 2026).
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