France has announced it will recognize the state of Palestine, a move that could shift discussions about the Middle East’s future.

Israeli and U.S. leaders have denounced President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement that his country will recognize Palestinian statehood, becoming the first major Western power to do so. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “strongly condemned” the move,

France will officially recognize the state of Palestine, "true to its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East," French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday. "I will make the solemn announcement at the United Nations General Assembly" in September, Macron said in a statement.