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Israel has called back its ambassadors from two European nations after Ireland, Norway, and Spain formally recognized Palestine as an independent state.
"Today Ireland, Norway, and Spain are announcing that we recognize the state of Palestine, and each of us will undertake whatever national steps are necessary to give effect to that decision," stated Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris in a statement on Wednesday.
Similar to this, Israel vehemently opposes Norway's decision to formally recognize Palestinian statehood, which was announced by Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store on Wednesday.
The Nordic country’s announcement comes amid a broader push within several European countries to recognise Palestine as a state, believing it will advance the prospects for peace in the region.
However, the government in Israel has rejected any unilateral attempts to impose a Palestinian state.
“Recognising a Palestinian state will lead to more terrorism, instability in the region and jeopardise any prospects for peace,” the Israeli Foreign Ministry said this week.
With the latest decision of these European states, Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz has announced the recall of the country’s ambassadors from Norway and Ireland.
“I have instructed the immediate recall of Israel’s ambassadors to Ireland and Norway for consultations in light of these countries’ decisions to recognise a Palestinian state,” Katz said.
“I’m sending a clear and unequivocal message to Ireland and Norway: Israel will not remain silent in the face of those undermining its sovereignty and endangering its security,” he posted on X.
Ireland is expected to announce a similar decision with Norway, after Norwegian Støre said his country would formally recognise Palestinian statehood on May 28.
