French President Macron says Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu should not forget his country was created as a result of a resolution adopted by the United Nations
During a recent diplomatic conversation, French President Emmanuel Macron reminded Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the pivotal role the United Nations played in the creation of the State of Israel. Macron’s comment refers to the historical adoption of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 181, which laid the groundwork for the establishment of Israel in 1948.
Resolution 181, also known as the Partition Plan, was passed by the UN on November 29, 1947, and it called for the division of the British-controlled Mandate of Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states. The resolution was approved by 33 votes to 13, with 10 abstentions. It was a significant international decision, as it provided a legal basis for the founding of Israel on May 14, 1948, marking the end of British rule in the region.
While the Jewish leadership in Palestine accepted the UN partition plan, the Arab states and Palestinian Arabs rejected it, leading to the outbreak of conflict. The ensuing 1948 Arab-Israeli War saw Israel defend its new sovereignty against neighboring Arab nations. The conflict has had lasting implications, contributing to the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which remains unresolved.
Macron’s reminder to Netanyahu comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East. France has historically maintained diplomatic relations with both Israel and its Arab neighbors, and Macron has advocated for peace talks and the two-state solution as a means of resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His statement underscores the importance of recognizing international frameworks, such as the UN’s role, in shaping Israel’s establishment and the broader regional order.
In his discussions with Netanyahu, Macron emphasized that the path to lasting peace in the region requires respect for historical agreements and international law. He reiterated France’s commitment to working with both Israel and Palestine to achieve a peaceful resolution. As a key player in European and Middle Eastern diplomacy, Macron has consistently urged for renewed dialogue and cooperation to address ongoing tensions, particularly as new developments continue to unfold in the region.
The relationship between Israel and France has had its ups and downs over the decades, but Macron’s administration has worked to maintain open communication and collaboration on security, economic, and regional stability issues. Macron’s reminder of Israel’s origins through the UN highlights the intertwined nature of international diplomacy and the need to address historical and legal realities in today’s negotiations.