French President Emmanuel Macron met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday and told him that France believes in a two-state solution with Jerusalem as the capital of both Israel and the future Palestinian state.
Macron said France's philosophy regarding Jerusalem is clear and his decision would not be "in reaction to other decisions."
"Our philosophy is very clear: recognition of both states with Jerusalem as the capital for both sides, and recognized borders in accordance with international rules," Macron told reporters.
Before their meeting, in which the two leaders discussed the diplomatic process between Israel and the Palestinians and the Iran nuclear deal, Netanyahu said, "The partnership between [Israel and France] is also important to the security of Europe."
The prime minister said the nuclear deal with Iran had to be amended, because in several years, based on the current iteration of the deal, Iran would be a nuclear power. Netanyahu emphasized Israel's commitment to preventing this from happening.
U.S. President Donald Trump's Dec. 6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital angered the Palestinians, sparking protests in the Middle East and raising concerns among Western countries that it could further destabilize the region.
Macron also held talks with Spain's King Felipe VI and Jordan's King Abdullah II on Wednesday in Davos.
