Ministers said warning European countries Israel will react to Palestine recognition with West Bank annexation

Israeli government ministers have reportedly warned key European countries that any unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state could prompt Israel to take unilateral measures as well, potentially including the annexation of parts of the West Bank.

Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer personally warned French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy that Israel could respond to recognition of a Palestinian state by annexing Area C of the West Bank and legalizing unauthorized outposts, the Haaretz outlet cites a foreign diplomat familiar with the matter as saying.

A separate report by Israel Hayom says Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar conveyed a similar message to counterparts in the UK, France and other nations, warning that steps against Israel would be met with Israeli actions such as extending sovereignty to West Bank settlements and parts of the Jordan Valley. “Unilateral moves against Israel will be met with unilateral moves by Israel,” Sa’ar reportedly said.

The warnings come ahead of a French- and Saudi-led summit set to take place in New York next month, where French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to promote coordinated recognition of Palestinian statehood.

While the US has said it will not participate, other European countries are still deliberating. Some, including Germany, Hungary and the Czech Republic, have reportedly voiced opposition to unilateral recognition. Others, such as Spain — which recognized a Palestinian state last year — and Malta — which has said it will do so at the summit — are expected to say they support countries announcing unilateral recognition.