Netanyahu slams Macron’s UN remarks on West Bank

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sharply criticized French President Emmanuel Macron after the latter declared in a UN General Assembly speech that Hamas has never operated in the West Bank. Netanyahu’s response framed Macron’s statement as a grotesque absurdity and underscored the ongoing…

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 23 Sep 2026 14:02:23 GMT

During the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, French President Emmanuel Macron delivered his final address as head of state. In a speech that condemned settler violence and highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Macron also stated that Hamas has never operated in the West Bank. The remark sparked an immediate and forceful rebuttal from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who described the comment as a "grotesque absurdity" and accused Macron of misrepresenting the reality on the ground.

Macron’s UN Speech and the West Bank Claim

Macron’s address, delivered on Tuesday, was his last as president before stepping down. He called for the international community to stand firm against the abuse of power by empires and urged a recommitment to international law. While praising efforts to address Gaza’s humanitarian situation, he turned to the West Bank, describing daily violations and the erosion of a project that should respect the legitimate rights of Palestinians.

Central to his critique was the assertion that Hamas has never carried out attacks in the West Bank. Macron’s statement was intended to emphasize that the Palestinian Authority, not Hamas, governs the territory, and that Israeli settlements and security operations are the primary sources of conflict.

Netanyahu’s Rebuttal and the Incident of Netanel Shukrun

Netanyahu’s office responded with a scathing statement, labeling Macron’s claim as "staggering". The Israeli leader cited the recent killing of Netanel Shukrun, a French‑citizen father of six who was shot in the West Bank on the eve of Yom Kippur. Israeli officials said Shukrun was killed by a Palestinian gunman, whom they arrested at a hospital before a raid on his village.

Netanyahu’s remarks framed the incident as evidence of daily Hamas‑led violence in the West Bank, contradicting Macron’s assertion. He added that Israeli civilians are targeted almost every day by Hamas terrorists, and that the international community’s inaction in Gaza is a spectacle that should shame all parties.

Diplomatic Fallout and Broader Context

French diplomats later clarified that Macron likely meant to say that Hamas does not govern the West Bank, rather than that it has never operated there. However, the confusion did not mitigate the diplomatic strain. France has been a vocal supporter of Palestinian statehood, and its recent sanctions on Israeli settlement products further inflamed tensions.

Israel’s relationship with France has been strained over the past year, especially after France joined Britain in imposing sanctions on settlement goods. Macron’s speech also echoed the broader European push for a two‑state solution, which Israel views with skepticism, citing security concerns and the lack of humanitarian access to Gaza.

Reactions from Other Nations

The United States, represented by Ambassador Mike Huckabee, also criticized Macron’s remarks, calling them "out of touch". The U.S. has been a key ally of Israel, and its support for the 20‑point peace plan contrasts with France’s more critical stance.

Within Israel, political figures such as Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party and a challenger to Netanyahu, echoed the Prime Minister’s condemnation, describing Macron’s comment as “extremely divorced from the reality on the ground.”

What Happens Next?

Netanyahu is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on Thursday, where he is expected to continue his critique of international inaction in Gaza and the West Bank. The Israeli government’s stance remains that Hamas is the primary threat in the region, while France maintains that the West Bank is governed by the Palestinian Authority and that Israeli settlements are the main source of conflict.

The incident underscores the deepening rift between Israel and European nations over the Palestinian issue. As both sides prepare for their next speeches, the international community watches closely for any shift in diplomatic tone or policy direction.

Until a resolution is reached, the debate over the role of Hamas in the West Bank and the legitimacy of Israeli settlements will likely continue to dominate discussions at the United Nations and beyond.

Key facts

Macron claimed Hamas never operated in the West Bank during his UN speech.
Netanyahu called the claim a grotesque absurdity and cited the killing of Netanel Shukrun.
French diplomats clarified Macron’s intent but tensions remain high.
Israel and France are at odds over settlement sanctions and Palestinian statehood.
The incident reflects broader disagreements on how to address Gaza and West Bank violence.
Both leaders are set to speak again at the UN, likely continuing the debate.

Why it matters

The clash highlights the widening divide between Israel and European leaders over the Palestinian conflict, affecting diplomatic relations and international policy on security and human rights.