Israeli Foreign Minister warns after Ireland, Norway recognize Palestinian statehood

Israel's Foreign Minister directed the immediate recall of Israeli ambassadors from Ireland and Norway for consultations in view of this development.

Spain, Norway and Ireland said on Wednesday they would recognize an independent Palestinian state, a rebuke to Israel over its war in Gaza and its decades-long occupation of the Palestinian territories, The New York Times reported.

“I have directed the immediate recall of Israel's ambassadors to Ireland and Norway for consultations in light of these countries' decisions to recognize the Palestinian state. I am sending a clear and unambiguous message to Ireland and Norway: Israel will not remain silent in the face of those who seek to undermine its sovereignty and threaten its security,” he said in a post shared on Said.

I have directed the immediate recall of the Israeli ambassadors to Ireland and Norway for consultations in view of these countries' decision to recognize the Palestinian state.

I am sending a loud and clear message to Ireland and Norway: Israel will not be silenced…

– Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) 22 May 2024

Foreign Minister Katz stressed that the decision sends a message that “terrorism pays”. He said, “Today's decision sends a message to the Palestinians and the world: terrorism pays.”

The Israeli Foreign Minister highlighted that these countries are choosing to reward Hamas and Iran by recognizing the Palestinian state.

“Decided to give the award,” he said in his post.

Calling it a “perverse move” Katz said it would be an injustice to the memory of the victims of the October 7 attack, adding that it undermines the prospects for peace.

“This perverse move by these countries is an injustice to the memories of the victims of 7/10, a blow to efforts to repatriate the 128 hostages, and an emboldening of Hamas and Iran's jihadists, which undermines the prospects for peace,” he said. And raises questions about Israel's authority.” For self-defense,”

“Israel will not remain silent – ​​this will have even more serious consequences,” Katz said, stressing that if Spain follows through on its intention to recognize Palestinian statehood, similar measures will be taken against it.

He said, “Irish-Norwegian idiocy does not stop us; we remain committed to achieving our goals: restoring security for our citizens, dismantling Hamas and bringing hostages home. There is no better cause than these.”

More than 140 countries and the Holy See have recognized Palestinian statehood, but most Western European countries and the US have not, The New York Times reports.

According to him, recognition should be achieved through negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians and although he supports a two-state solution, unilateral measures by third parties will not advance that goal.

Meanwhile, Israel has strongly condemned international efforts to recognize Palestinian statehood and has stressed that Israel needs to negotiate directly with Palestinian leaders on a permanent solution.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said the establishment of a Palestinian state would be an “existential threat” to Israel, The New York Times reported.