Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Tuesday that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s announcement that he will recognize the State of Palestine if Israel does not meet a series of conditions —including a ceasefire— is “a reward” for the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas).
The decision of the United Kingdom, although with conditions, adds to the one taken by France a few days ago and Spain’s last year. In total, more than 140 countries around the world recognize Palestine, but among them are not the major Western powers such as the United States, Canada, Germany, Italy, or Japan.
What was Israel’s reaction to the statement of the British Prime Minister?
“Starmer rewards Hamas’s monstrous terrorism and punishes its victims. A jihadist state on Israel’s border today will threaten the United Kingdom tomorrow,” Netanyahu said in a message posted on social media, adding that “appeasing jihadist terrorists” is something that always fails.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry stated in a communiqué that “the British government’s shift in position following France’s actions and internal political pressure constitutes a reward for Hamas and undermines efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and a framework for the release of the hostages.”
The leader of the Israeli opposition, Yair Lapid, stated that the government of Benjamin Netanyahu has taken Israel “from a just war to a diplomatic disaster”. “One failure after another. A prime minister missing from the political scene, a useless Foreign Minister, and ministers who put the military of the Army at risk every time they speak,” argued Lapid.
What did the United Kingdom say about Palestine?
Keir Starmer warned Israel that he will recognize the State of Palestine during the United Nations General Assembly in September if it does not meet three conditions: “put an end to the terrible humanitarian situation” in Gaza, “agree to a ceasefire,” and “commit to a sustainable long-term peace” under the two-state solution.
The British Prime Minister was under strong pressure and had recently received a letter from over 200 Conservative and Labour parliamentarians asking him to follow the announcement made by France.
Days before, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will recognize Palestine as a state in September at the UN General Assembly, “faithful to its historical commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.”