Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel will respond to the recent recognition of Palestine by several Western countries only after his return from the United States.
“There will be no Palestinian state west of the Jordan. Attempts to establish a terrorist state in the heart of our land will be answered after my return from the U.S.,” Netanyahu told The Jerusalem Post.
According to Israeli officials, during recent talks, including with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Washington made clear it would not restrict Israel’s potential response to unilateral recognition of Palestine.
“The American message was clear: if there is unilateral recognition, you can take unilateral measures,” two sources familiar with the discussions said.
Israeli authorities are considering measures against states that recognized Palestine. Options under review include shutting down embassies, particularly those with ties to the Palestinian Authority, as well as expelling diplomats and suspending joint projects.
On September 21, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia recognized the State of Palestine. Armenia had taken the same step several months earlier.
