Israel Recalls Ambassadors from Ireland and Norway Over Palestinian State Recognition

Foreign Minister Katz Condemns Decision, Warns of Severe Consequences

In a swift and stern response to Ireland and Norway’s decision to recognize the State of Palestine, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz announced the immediate recall of Israel’s ambassadors to these countries for consultations. Katz made the announcement on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing that Israel will not remain silent in the face of actions that it perceives as undermining its sovereignty and security.

“I have instructed the immediate recall of Israel’s ambassadors to Ireland and Norway for consultations in light of these countries’ decisions to recognize a Palestinian state,” Katz stated. “Today’s decision sends a message to the Palestinians and the world: Terrorism pays. After the Hamas terror organization carried out the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, after committing heinous sexual crimes witnessed by the world, these countries chose to reward Hamas and Iran by recognizing a Palestinian state.”

Katz further criticized the recognition as a “distorted step” that dishonors the victims of recent attacks and undermines Israel’s security efforts. He warned of further severe consequences if Spain follows through with its intention to recognize Palestine, noting that Israel remains steadfast in its goals of dismantling Hamas and ensuring the return of hostages.

In a related diplomatic engagement, Katz met with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Stéphane Séjourné in Paris on Wednesday (22 May 2024). During their discussions, Katz outlined Israel’s position against arrest warrants for its leadership and the recognition of a Palestinian state. Séjourné reaffirmed France’s opposition to these measures and rejected any equivalence between Israel and Hamas.

“France rejects the equivalence made by the prosecutor between the democratic State of Israel and the Hamas terrorist organization,” Séjourné stated. He also reiterated France’s stance against the unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, a sentiment appreciated by Katz. “I thank Foreign Minister Séjourné for his support against the unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state by Spain, Ireland, and Norway,” Katz said.

The two ministers also discussed broader regional issues, including the situation at the Lebanese border and the need for decisive actions to ensure the safety of residents in northern Israel. They concluded their meeting with a mutual agreement to promote further sanctions against Iran’s nuclear and missile programs at the upcoming International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conference.

Katz highlighted the importance of France’s support during the visit, particularly in opposing the International Court of Justice’s prosecutor’s perceived equivalence between Israel and Hamas. “By objecting to the unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state and the issuing of arrest warrants for the Israeli leadership, France clarified to us during this visit that it fully supports the efforts of the State of Israel,” Katz noted.

As diplomatic tensions rise, the international community closely watches these developments, anticipating their impact on the geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East and beyond.