Israel is facing criticism from its politicians after news that Norway, Ireland, and Spain have recognized a Palestinian state. In response, Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz has withdrawn ambassadors from the three European countries. Katz’s decision was driven by the belief that the move sent a message that terrorism pays. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has also announced plans to cut off financial support to the Palestinian Authority (PA) in protest of the recognition.
The PA was created as a temporary administrative authority under the Oslo Accords, with Israel collecting taxes on their behalf. Smotrich threatened to withhold tax payments to the PA, citing their efforts towards unilateral recognition. Israel had previously frozen tax payments for PA employees in the Gaza Strip due to concerns that funds could end up with Hamas. There is now a push to end the agreement and establish additional Jewish settlements in the West Bank.
For every country recognizing a Palestinian state, Smotrich proposed establishing a new settlement. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant lifted a military exclusion zone in the West Bank, allowing Israelis to return to the area after a ban since 2005. Gallant emphasized the importance of Jewish control in the region for security and settlement development. Despite the lengthy approval process, Gallant’s decision aims to facilitate easier outpost establishment for Israeli settlers, even though it would be illegal under both Israeli and international law.
The sharp reactions from Israeli politicians reflect the views of
