A wave of international recognitions of a Palestinian state has prompted bitter and almost unanimous condemnation across the political spectrum in Israel, uniting political foes and, analysts said, potentially reinforcing the ruling coalition’s grip on power.
The UK, Portugal, Australia and Canada formally recognised a state of Palestine on Sunday, while France was expected to follow suit on Monday. Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, called the moves an “absurdity” and a “reward for terrorism”, while Israel’s president said the “forces of darkness” would be emboldened. Opposition leader Yair Lapid described “a diplomatic disaster, a bad move and a reward for terror”.
Experts said the recognitions would have little impact on Israeli policy. “This will not have one millimetre of influence on policymaking,” said Yaakov Amidror, a former national security adviser. On the streets of Jerusalem, business continued as usual, with some residents attributing the moves to domestic politics in the recognising countries.
Gideon Rahat, a professor of political science at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, said Netanyahu and his allies would likely be strengthened in the short term by the “diplomatic tsunami”. However, he noted that deepening isolation could become a factor with centrist voters at elections due by November next year.
Israel has pledged to retaliate against countries recognising Palestine, with options including expelling diplomats and closing consulates. There are also fears Netanyahu may press ahead with annexation of the West Bank, though most observers consider this unlikely due to Arab opposition.
