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Rabat – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly criticized Ireland, Spain, and Norway for their decision to recognize Palestinian statehood, labeling the move as a reward for terrorism.
Netanyahu’s statement came after these European nations announced their recognition of Palestine, set to become official on May 28.
In a video posted on X, formerly Twitter, he said that “the intention of several European countries to recognize a Palestinian state is a reward for terrorism.”
He cited the high support among Palestinians for Hamas’ attack on October 7 as evidence of the danger posed by granting statehood to Palestine.
“This evil must not be given a country,” Netanyahu said, further claiming that a Palestinian state would perpetuate violence and threaten peace.
The Prime Minister’s remarks came shortly after official announcements from Dublin, Madrid, and Oslo. The coordinated effort by the three countries aims to reinforce the pursuit of a two-state solution.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, speaking before the Spanish parliament, highlighted the importance of recognizing Palestine for the sake of “peace, justice, and consistency.” His announcement received a warm reception from Spanish lawmakers.
In response to these developments, Israel has recalled its ambassadors from Ireland and Norway for urgent consultations.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz announced that the three countries’ ambassadors in Israel will be shown footage of the October 7 Hamas attack to underline the government’s stance.
Netanyahu reiterated that rewarding terrorism would neither bring peace nor deter Israel from its efforts to defeat Hamas.
“A prize for terrorism will not bring peace – and it will not stop us from defeating Hamas either,” he asserted, maintaining Israel’s firm opposition to the unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood by these European countries.
The October 7 attack, which resulted in Israel’s relentless bombardment of Gaza, occurred in a context of retaliation of the decades of relentless attacks, aggression, and displacement experienced by Palestinians at the hands of the Israeli Occupation Forces.
