France's National Assembly. Photo: Wikipedia.

Because the honor of France is to stand side by side with minorities.

Because the greatness of France is to fight terrorism.

Because France’s history should lead us to support democracies.

Can we vote for such a resolution? Isn’t it as much opportunistic as inopportune?

Israel is a minority in the region of the world dominated by Arabic states and by the Muslim religion.

The jewish minority, such as the Christian minority, should have the right to live in peace in the birthplace of monotheist religions.

France should defend this right. France should not shy away from it. France cannot deviate from its history that has always placed it beside minorities.

Even if its duty is to require from the minority itself to also respect the weakest.

Israel is besieged and hit on a daily basis by blind terrorism.

The number of rockets and missiles launched at Israel from Gaza last summer was 3,356.

578 were intercepted.

2648 fell on Israeli territories.

The Miklat (bomb shelters) are part of the daily life of Israeli children. They have more or less time – 15, 20, 30 seconds, 1 minute – depending on the zone they live in, to run, to take shelter and more importantly to not forget to close the door of the Miklat…

Terror is a part of their daily lives.

Terror comes from the sky, but also from underground. Terror tunnels are flourishing.

I know it is politically incorrect to point out this reality. But Israeli children must also be protected.

Innocents on both sides know terror.

Is the force driven by blind terrorism not to be recognized?

Israel is a democracy, the only one in the region, and represents a strong culture of compromise and strength through unity. And this democracy learned how to resist rockets but more importantly, how to  reply to gusts of anti-Zionism (and blatant anti-Semitism.)

The hatred towards Jews always grows during a crisis.

The hatred against Israel is enormous.

Shouldn’t the place of France be next to the scapegoat, the minority, the besieged and the democratic?

At least as much as the Palestinian people who legitimately wish to live in peace with recognized boundaries with a legitimate, stable, and democratic government.

This is the reason why I will not vote for this resolution which forgets essential matters.

Because the recognition of a Palestinian state should not occur before there is a partner for peace.

Because we should not recognize a group of leaders that support terrorism.

Because recognizing a Palestinian state goes against the Oslo Accords – a treaty signed by both sides.

Voting yes will only increase extremism and terrorism.

By passing this resolution we are risking the igniting of a fire that could burn the whole region.

I will vote no. Let’s not damage peace.

Frédéric Lefebvre is a member of the French Parliament representing French citizens in North America (USA and Canada), former entrepreneur and Lawyer.