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As Emmanuel Macron announced plans to formally acknowledge Palestinian statehood, it provoked an angry response from Tel Aviv and caused a diplomatic crisis with Washington.

Benjamin Netanyahu wrote a letter claiming Paris of not doing enough to address rising antisemitism across the country. His letter stated that this decision would only intensify antisemitic sentiments.

Reacting, Paris rejected Netanyahu’s remarks as “unacceptable” and emphasised that the nation takes no instruction on methods for combat anti-Jewish prejudice.

Charles Kushner, though, sided with Netanyahu in a public message, saying that statehood for Palestinians would endanger Jewish people in France and empower militants.

The French government formally confronted Kushner, declaring that his remarks were “inappropriate” and violated the principle of respecting sovereignty.

Certainly, antisemitism persists as a troubling problem in France, with a long background of bias and attacks. After the October 7 attacks, reports of incidents targeting Jews have risen sharply.

The nation has also struggled addressing widespread racism, not limited to crimes targeting Muslim individuals. Regardless of frequent calls for action, lacking institutions are in place to address institutional discrimination.

But these shortcomings should not invalidate the rationale for supporting Palestine as a state. To claim that opposition to Zionist policies is identical with anti-Jewish hatred is a distorted argument.

Globally, a large number of UN member states have already recognise Palestine. What makes France’s move notable is that it is an unprecedented action by a major Western power.

Considering the persistent war in Gaza, a place where many been killed and entire areas have been destroyed, recognising independence can be viewed as a moral imperative.

The Israeli government, however, persists to expand settlements in Palestinian land, flouting UN resolutions. This policy lead to doubts about the realism of a future Palestinian state.

Macron plans to give a formal announcement at the United Nations in the coming days. Yet critics ask: Why doesn’t France enact tangible actions, like sanctions against Israel?

Regardless of global outcry and accusations of war crimes, the country still to benefit from defense support and commercial advantages from Europe.

The French government is alleged of supplying weaponry to Tel Aviv, at the same time condemning the conflict in Palestinian territories. This double standard weakens the sincerity of Macron’s announcement.

The timing also prompts doubts about Macron’s motives. After eroding domestic influence, he may be looking for a legacy on global politics.

Supporting Palestine years ago would have been meaningful. Doing it now, but, appears like a cynical move rather than a genuine effort toward justice.