West Bank22 September, 20262 min read
Netanyahu’s Office Denounces Macron’s UN Claim Hamas Never Operated In West Bank
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Macron claimed Hamas has never been active in the West Bank at the UNGA. Netanyahu’s office denounced the remark as a 'grotesque absurdity'.
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Macron UN remark sparks fury
French President Emmanuel Macron told the UN General Assembly that “Hamas has never been active in the West Bank,” while criticizing Israeli actions in the occupied territory. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office denounced Macron’s remarks as “The grotesque absurdity of Emmanuel Macron’s statement is staggering,” and said Hamas terrorists carry out attacks against Jews almost every day. Netanyahu’s office pointed to the shooting death on Sunday of French-Israeli citizen Netanel Shukrun, a father of six, in the West Bank on the eve of Yom Kippur.
“‘Hamas never operated in the West Bank,’ Macron said.”
Israel’s military said it arrested the Palestinian gunman at a hospital and troops later raided his village, after the killing near the N’vei Tzuf spring in the Binyamin area. The UN said there were about six settler-related violent incidents against Palestinians or their property daily through mid-2026 in the territory.
Israel cites Shukrun, others dispute
Netanyahu’s office said “On Sunday, the eve of Yom Kippur, just two days ago, Netanel Shukrun—a FRENCH CITIZEN and father of six—was murdered in his car by a Hamas terrorist in Judea and Samaria.” Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich wrote on X that “President Macron is lying,” citing Shukrun’s killing as one of “hundreds of attacks” allegedly led by Hamas. Macron’s claim drew pushback from Israeli officials who pointed to attacks and alleged plots attributed to Hamas operatives in the West Bank, including an earlier announcement about a suspected 10-member Hamas cell planning an attack in the northern Jordan Valley.
Ynetnews said Israeli security authorities have for years reported Hamas cells and operatives in the West Bank, including plots to carry out attacks, and it described one recent case where Israeli officials identified Qadri Samara as a Hamas operative. Macron’s UN remarks also included a broader argument that violations in the West Bank were undermining both Palestinian rights and Israel’s security, with Ynetnews quoting him as saying “They are weakening Israel’s security.”
Netanyahu to address UN, stakes rise
Netanyahu’s office said he is expected to deliver a defiant address to the world body on Thursday after Macron’s remarks at the UN General Debate in New York.
“‘Look at what is happening in West Bank, where there are violations every day.”
Macron told the General Assembly that “Should we watch this show that humbles us all? Never,” and he argued that peace in Gaza had not reopened humanitarian corridors even for a second.
Macron said “Look at what is happening in West Bank, where there are violations every day,” and he added that “Hamas has never struck in the West Bank,” framing the claim as part of a condition for Israel’s security.
The dispute over Hamas’s role in the West Bank came as Israeli officials linked the Sunday killing of Shukrun to Hamas and as the UN reported about six settler-related violent incidents against Palestinians or their property daily through mid-2026.
The Times of Israel said Netanyahu’s office described Macron’s comments as “grotesque” and said the prime minister would respond to the UN remarks, while other leaders at the session accused Netanyahu’s government of genocide or reiterated support for an independent Palestinian state within the pre-1967 borders.