French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné stated that recognizing Palestine is not off-limits for France, but Paris believes the conditions are not currently conducive for such a decision to have a tangible impact on the two-state process.
In a statement to Agence France-Presse (AFP), Séjourné emphasized, “Such a decision must be beneficial, meaning it should lead to decisive progress on the political front… In this context, the timing of this decision should be right to make a difference.”
In a joint announcement, Spain, Ireland, and Norway declared their recognition of the State of Palestine on Wednesday, May 22.
The joint announcement followed a series of statements by heads of state affirming that a two-state solution is the path to ending the cycle of violence in the region.
In response, Israel summoned its ambassadors to Ireland and Norway “for urgent consultations” after these countries moved towards recognizing Palestine.
Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said in a statement, “Today, I send a strongly worded message to Ireland and Norway: Israel will not remain silent on this matter. Instructions have been given for the Israeli ambassadors in Dublin and Oslo to return to Israel for further consultations.”
According to Lapid, “The hasty steps of these countries will have serious consequences, and if Spain follows through with its promise to recognize the Palestinian state, steps will be taken against it.”
Finance Minister Avigdor Smotrich sent a message to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urging him to take action against the Palestinian Authority. Smotrich called for the approval of thousands of settlements in response to countries recognizing the Palestinian state. He also stated that he does not intend to transfer any funds to the Palestinian Authority.
