French-Israeli Peace Advocate Ofer Bronchtein Dies at 69

Ofer Bronchtein, a French-Israeli dual citizen who advocated for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestinians, died Monday in Paris at age 69. Bronchtein served as an unofficial adviser to President Emmanuel Macron during France's recognition of Palestine in September 2025. He co-founded and chaired the International Forum for Peace.

Born in Beersheba, Israel, in 1957, Bronchtein described a turning point during his military service when he witnessed an elderly Palestinian man ordered to undress at a checkpoint. He spent decades campaigning for coexistence between Israel and a Palestinian state. Bronchtein held a Palestinian passport and endured attacks for his positions.

Bronchtein suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which confined him to a wheelchair in recent months. He died of the respiratory condition, according to the International Forum for Peace. The organization said he remained committed to peace efforts until his death.