By Nicholas Vinocur

Copyright politico

The point was to offer a defiant counterpart to U.S. President Donald Trump, who rejects a two-state solution, and his ally Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Unlike de Villepin 22 years ago, when the U.N. was still seen as a functioning international organization, Macron didn’t go for the jugular.

The windup to his recognition of a Palestinian state was full of friendly words for Israel and condemnations of Hamas terrorism. And at no point did he mention the elephant in the room — Trump and his support for Netanyahu.

But that won’t diminish the irritation factor for Trump, whose aides have made no secret of their displeasure with Macron.

“Reckless” is how Secretary of State Marco Rubio dubbed the statehood push, while other administration officials blasted the move as “dumb” and pointless in conversations with POLITICO. Netanyahu has been harsher, accusing Macron of rewarding terrorism and threatening to shut down France’s consulate in Jerusalem in retaliation.

As Macron spoke Monday, Israel’s spot in the General Assembly stood noticeably empty.