Israel Threatens Unilateral Moves if Europe Recognizes Palestinian State

Occupied Palestine (Quds News Network)- Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar threatened on Sunday that Israel will take “unilateral steps” if European countries recognize a Palestinian state.

His remarks came weeks after French President Emmanuel Macron said Paris may move to recognize Palestine in June.

“Any unilateral recognition will only harm the future of a two-sided process,” Sa’ar claimed at a press conference with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in occupied Jerusalem. “It will push us to respond with unilateral actions.”

Macron made his comments on April 9, suggesting that France and some Arab states could soon recognize Palestine and Israel as part of a regional solution.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the idea outright. He said a Palestinian state in “the heart of our homeland” would pose a threat to Israel’s existence.

“It only aims to destroy us,” Netanyahu said. “I will not endanger Israel for detached illusions.”

Sa’ar also voiced strong support for a new U.S. aid distribution plan for Gaza announced by American Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee on Friday. The plan does not include Israel.

“Israel fully supports the Trump administration’s aid plan,” Sa’ar said.

On Saturday, Huckabee confirmed that the U.S. still backs the forced expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza, despite regional and international opposition.

Speaking to Israel’s Channel 12, Huckabee said the U.S. “will be happy” if Gazans “who wish to leave” are given the chance to do so. He added that Gulf countries would likely take part in reconstruction efforts.

German FM Johann Wadephul also weighed in, saying the war on Gaza cannot be solved militarily.

“A political solution must take center stage,” he said. Wadephul emphasized Germany’s commitment to Israel’s ‘security’ but said that doesn’t mean Berlin can’t criticize Israeli policies.

“Criticism should not be equated with antisemitism,” he added.

Wadephul stressed that the top priority for Germany is the return of Israeli prisoners. He questioned whether military action in Gaza actually improves Israeli security and said it is clear Gaza is part of Palestinian land.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel has waged genocide in Gaza. The campaign has included mass killings, destruction of homes, starvation, and forced displacement.

Despite global outrage and multiple International Court of Justice orders, Israel continues its assault.