Katz warns 4 European nations against Palestinian statehood recognition: ‘Prize for terrorism’

Israel tells four European countries that their plan to work toward recognition of a Palestinian state constitutes a “prize for terrorism” that will reduce the chances of a negotiated resolution to the conflict.

Spain said on Friday that it had agreed with Ireland, Malta and Slovenia to take first steps toward recognizing Palestinian statehood.

“Recognition of a Palestinian state following the October 7 massacre sends a message to Hamas and the other Palestinian terrorist organizations that murderous terror attacks on Israelis will be reciprocated with political gestures to the Palestinians,” Foreign Minister Israel Katz says on X.

“A resolution of the conflict will only be possible through direct negotiations between the parties. Any engagement in the recognition of a Palestinian state only distances reaching a resolution and increases regional instability.”

He does not specify what kind of resolution he had in mind. Israel’s hardline coalition has long ruled out Palestinian statehood.