Israeli officials have reportedly issued stern warnings to several European governments, stating that if they go ahead with recognizing a Palestinian state without coordination, Israel may enact its own independent measures in response—potentially including moves to annex territories within the West Bank.
According to a foreign diplomat quoted by Haaretz, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer personally cautioned both French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy. He reportedly said that Israeli retaliation for any unilateral recognition could involve annexing Area C of the West Bank and formally recognizing unauthorized settlements.
Israel Hayom published a separate account indicating that Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar relayed a comparable message to foreign ministers from France, the United Kingdom, and other allied nations. According to the report, Sa’ar said that if international partners act against Israel unilaterally, Israel would respond in kind by asserting sovereignty over settlement blocs in the West Bank and areas of the Jordan Valley. “Unilateral moves against Israel will be met with unilateral moves by Israel,” Sa’ar was quoted as saying.
These warnings come as anticipation builds for a summit next month in New York, spearheaded by France and Saudi Arabia. French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to use the event to encourage a unified approach to recognizing Palestinian statehood.
Although the United States has confirmed it will not be attending, several European nations are still deciding their stance. Some, including Germany, the Czech Republic, and Hungary, are said to oppose acting unilaterally. However, others, such as Spain—which already recognized Palestinian statehood last year—and Malta—which has announced plans to follow suit at the upcoming summit—are anticipated to support individual countries making their own declarations.
{Matzav.com}