Overview

• Emmanuel Macron will deliver the recognition in a UN General Assembly speech on September 22 at 15:00 New York time, with aides saying he will condemn the October 7 attacks, rule out any role for Hamas in governance, and stress commitments by the Palestinian Authority.
• Portugal officially confirms it will recognize Palestine on September 21, and French officials say a group expected to include Andorra, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Luxembourg, Malta, the United Kingdom and San Marino plans to move in tandem with France.
• Israel has denounced the initiative and warned of possible reprisals including West Bank annexation, consulate closures and reduced defense ties, while the Élysée calls any annexation a clear red line.
• French authorities have ordered reinforced vigilance over a feared rise in antisemitic acts, with security to be strengthened near Jewish schools, as the decision intensifies political divides across the spectrum.
• The recognitions follow a France–Saudi diplomatic track that yielded the widely backed ‘Declaration of New York’ calling for a Gaza ceasefire, the release of hostages and a viable Palestinian state, as the United States resists aspects of the process including visas for the Palestinian delegation.