Israeli Reactions to International Recognition of Palestinian State
In a significant international development, the Prime Ministers of Norway, Ireland, and Spain announced their formal recognition of a Palestinian state, set to commence next Tuesday, May 28. Following this announcement, Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich urgently addressed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, demanding immediate and rigorous punitive actions against the Palestinian Authority (PA). Smotrich articulated that the PA's pursuit of unilateral recognition and its ongoing legal disputes against Israel, notably at the Hague, necessitated a swift and robust response.
Smotrich's letter emphasized the consensus among Israeli ministers on the need for decisive action, moving beyond declarative decisions. He mandated a team of ministers to compile a list of recommended measures within 24 hours. Among the proposed steps were the approval of thousands of housing units in settlements, including Area E1, and the establishment of new settlements in retaliation against any nation recognizing a Palestinian state.
The foreign policy implications extended further with Israel's Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, ordering the immediate return of Israeli ambassadors from Ireland and Norway for urgent consultations. Katz denounced the recognition as rewarding terrorism, particularly referencing the violent actions of Hamas. He warned of further serious repercussions if Spain follows through with its recognition. Katz underscored Israel’s determination to safeguard its sovereignty and security, asserting that these recognitions undermined the memory of victims from past conflicts and jeopardized ongoing efforts to secure peace.
The Israeli government also considered additional punitive measures, including the cancellation of the 'Norwegian outline,' which had previously been approved by the cabinet. Smotrich declared a halt in fund transfers to Norway and demanded the return of previously transferred funds. He also proposed the suspension of VIP permits for PA officials and the imposition of further financial sanctions on senior PA officials and their families.
Reaction to this policy stance emerged from various political corners. Knesset member Danny Danon and former minister Yifat Shasha Biton echoed criticism of international recognitions, associating them with an endorsement of terrorism and a failure of Netanyahu's leadership. Danon tweeted that nations endorsing terrorism would eventually face terrorism within their own borders, while Shasha Biton blamed Netanyahu for not aggressively championing Israel’s stance on the global stage.
- Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich outlined six punitive measures as potential responses to the international recognition of a Palestinian state. These included convening the Planning Council to approve housing units in settlements, establishing new settlements as a countermeasure, halting fund transfers to Norway, and canceling payments to the PA.
- Smotrich also emphasized the strategic significance of settlements as protective measures for Israel, especially in light of recent conflicts. He committed to finding the necessary budgets to strengthen these settlements to ensure national security.
- Foreign Minister Israel Katz’s stance was notably firm, reflecting a broader national sentiment for robust actions against countries recognizing a Palestinian state. Katz’s directives to withdraw ambassadors and potential broader diplomatic consequences underscore the severity of Israel’s response.
