A leading German parliamentarian has voiced sharp criticism of French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent declaration recognizing a Palestinian state. Roderich Kiesewetter, spokesperson for the CDU/CSU parliamentary group on the Foreign Affairs Committee, described the move as a “serious strategic error” in comments to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland.
Kiesewetter argued that the recognition risks rewarding violence and terrorism perpetrated by Hamas and undermines any potential for future negotiations. He expressed concern that it weakens both Israel and Europe’s negotiating position, as it grants a desired form of validation to Hamas without requiring reciprocal acknowledgement of Israel’s right to exist.
The German politician further emphasized the complex security environment surrounding Israel, noting the existence of forces actively seeking its destruction. He defended Israel’s ongoing military operations as necessary for the protection of its citizens and the dismantling of Hamas and Iranian-backed terrorist infrastructure, asserting they are a prerequisite for achieving regional peace and stability, rather than preventing it.
Kiesewetter suggested Macron’s decision was driven by domestic political considerations, leading him to uncritically adopt Hamas’s narrative and internationally isolate Israel, while inadvertently empowering the aggressors in the region.