Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday. Netanyahu criticized the push for Palestinian statehood, calling it a “major reward for terrorism” and warning that a Palestinian state located near Israeli cities would become a “stronghold of Iranian terrorism.” He also noted that a majority of the Israeli public opposes such a move.

Macron, on the other hand, reiterated France’s support for Israel’s security, emphasizing the importance of releasing hostages held by Hamas and the demilitarization of the militant group. Macron also stressed that a ceasefire is necessary to ensure the safe release of hostages and to facilitate humanitarian aid to Gaza’s civilian population.

The phone call came amid growing international support for a two-state solution, with Macron having stated earlier that France might recognize a Palestinian state by June. France is also planning a United Nations meeting in June, co-chaired with Saudi Arabia, to discuss advancing a two-state solution, despite Israel’s continued control over territories claimed by Palestinians since the 1967 Middle East war.