After Norway, Ireland & Spain Recognize a Palestinian State, Israel Acts To Punish Them

Norway, Ireland and Spain announced  on May 28 that they will officially recognize a Palestinian state, saying that a two-state solution is the only way to secure lasting peace within the region. Upon their announcement, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz immediately recalled its ambassadors from the countries.

With Norway taking the lead in the announcement, co-ordinating with Ireland and Spain, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said on X, “In the midst of war, with tens of thousands killed and injured, we must keep alive the only alternative that offers a political solution for Israelis and Palestinians alike: Two states, living side by side, in peace and security.” 

Ireland and Spain echoed Norway’s announcement, clarifying that they were neither against Israel, nor in favor of Hamas, but in support of peace.

Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris stated on X that he hopes their decision will help move the conflict towards a two-state solution.

“It is a statement of unequivocal support for a two-state solution – the only credible path to peace and security for Israel, for Palestine and for their peoples,” Harris wrote on X.

He added, “A peace that honors the legitimate aspirations of all people in the region to live with respect, justice, security and dignity.”

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who has spent months traveling around Europe and the Middle East to garner support for the recognition of a Palestinian state and a ceasefire deal in Gaza, similarly wrote on X, “With this important step we want to contribute to relaunching a political process that puts an end to violence and illuminates a future of security and prosperity in the Middle East.”

In response, Israeli officials criticized Ireland, Spain and Norway’s announcements, saying it would derail efforts to return Israel’s hostages being held in Gaza, and would make a cease-fire less likely.

Katz wrote on X, before Spain’s announcement, “Following their government’s decision to award a gold medal to Hamas terrorists who kidnapped our daughters and burned our infants…I have instructed the immediate recall of Israel’s ambassadors to Ireland and Norway for consultations in light of these countries’ decisions to recognize a Palestinian state.”

He added, “Today’s decision sends a message to the Palestinians and the world: Terrorism plays,” warning, “Israel will not remain silent in the face of those undermining its sovereignty and endangering its security — there will be further severe consequences.”

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas thanked the three countries for their support, saying on X that their actions have brought “a beacon of hope to the Palestinian people.”

In a statement to the official Wafa news agency, Abbas further said that the recognition would help “the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination” and support efforts of a two-state solution with Israel.

While most European countries, as well as the United States, believe that the recognition of a Palestinian state should come only as part of a long-term two-state solution to the conflict, several other EU countries have recently announced that they plan to make a similar recognition.