From Paris to New York: Macron seeks global spotlight, not peace

As French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot touts what he calls a “historic moment” at the United Nations—a two-day conference co-organized with Saudi Arabia aimed at pushing forward the recognition of a Palestinian state—critics see the event for what it is: a media spectacle, orchestrated to serve President Emmanuel Macron’s political vanity, not the cause of peace.

Barrot declared on X that “after months of work under the auspices of France and Saudi Arabia, the entire international community is gathered in New York,” claiming 15 states, the Arab League, and the EU are backing “concrete proposals” for a two-state solution. But key players—Israel and the United States—have boycotted the event, and no meaningful breakthroughs are expected.

A Diplomatic Show With No Substance

Behind the grand language and stagecraft lies a troubling reality: France is pushing recognition of a Palestinian state in the abstract, while ignoring the facts on the ground. Hamas remains armed and entrenched in Gaza, Israeli hostages are still being held, and the Palestinian Authority is weak, divided, and widely discredited.

Yet Macron’s administration presses ahead with a plan that offers no enforcement mechanism, no real security guarantees, and no consensus among the parties involved. It is, critics argue, a purely symbolic gesture designed to burnish Macron’s international image, at a time when his domestic credibility is at an all-time low.

Macron’s Search for Relevance

This conference is less about peace and more about Macron’s need to remain visible on the world stage, especially as his influence in France continues to wane. With his presidency increasingly isolated and his approval ratings in decline, Macron is turning to high-profile international initiatives to distract from political weakness at home.

But organizing a UN show, while excluding Israel and pushing premature recognition of a fragmented, undeveloped Palestinian “state,” will not bring peace—it will only deepen divisions.

Dangerous Naivety—or Deliberate Provocation?

Barrot insists the plan includes “a reformed Palestinian governance” and “regional integration for Israel,” but fails to explain how such a vision can be enforced while Hamas still controls Gaza with an iron fist, fires rockets, and vows to destroy Israel.

Recognizing a Palestinian state now—under the illusion that it will weaken Hamas or promote reform—flies in the face of reality. It signals to the region that violence, propaganda, and intransigence will be rewarded with diplomatic recognition.

A Missed Opportunity for Real Diplomacy

What France offers in New York is not diplomacy. It is an ego-driven production, heavy on declarations and photo-ops, but devoid of hard power, political leverage, or genuine mediation.

Real peace between Israelis and Palestinians will require hard choices, credible security guarantees, an end to terrorism, and mutual recognition—not theatrical gestures from a president searching for legacy.