Amid growing recognition of Palestine, Israel considers unilateral steps, notably annexing the Jordan Valley
Al-Khamisa News Network - Gaza
The number of countries that officially recognize the State of Palestine has risen to 152 countries, after the addition of Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal to the list of recognitions, according to a report by the Hebrew newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth.
Wave of European recognitions
The report indicated that the United Nations General Assembly could see this week the announcement of 6 to 8 additional countries recognizing Palestine, among them: France, Belgium, Malta, San Marino, Andorra, and Luxembourg, with positions of New Zealand and Finland awaited.
France is leading this new wave of recognitions, while Germany has hinted it might recognize Palestine if Israel proceeds to annex parts of the West Bank, considering that a red line.
Official shifts
The paper said some countries have revised their official definition of Palestine, such as Britain, which added a map of Palestine to its travel advisories website and urged its citizens to avoid entering it. Nevertheless, there are no signs yet that these countries intend to open embassies in Ramallah soon.
The hurdle in the Security Council
Despite the diplomatic momentum, full UN membership for Palestine remains conditional on securing the support of nine Security Council members without any permanent member using the “veto”, which the United States is expected to do.
Israel weighing response
As for Israel, the paper said it is “reeling” from these developments and has not yet decided on the nature of its response. Among the options under consideration is annexing the Jordan Valley, an option that associates of Netanyahu believe could pass easily in Washington. But the Israeli prime minister has postponed a response until after his anticipated meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the General Assembly.
French–Israeli tension
The report pointed to rising tensions between Paris and Tel Aviv; Israel warned it might close the French consulate in Jerusalem in response to France’s recognition of Palestine. But a senior French diplomat responded with a strong message: “Israel is a small country, and France is a great power. Our ability to hurt you is greater than your ability to hurt us“.
Washington between support and pressure
The United States is watching Israel’s moves and may lean toward supporting it if it takes measures against France, especially amid existing tensions between Washington and Paris.
According to the Hebrew newspaper, international recognition of Palestine is no longer merely symbolic, but has become a diplomatic pressure tool that is reshaping the balance of power and placing Israel before highly complex political and strategic choices.
