Israel has recalled its envoys from Ireland and Norway for urgent consultations in response to the two countries’ anticipated formal recognition of a Palestinian state.
Foreign Minister Israel Katz issued a strong statement: “Today, I am sending a sharp message to Ireland and Norway: Israel will not go over this in silence. I have just ordered the return of the Israeli ambassadors from Dublin and Oslo to Israel for further consultations in Jerusalem.”
He warned of serious consequences, indicating that similar actions would be taken against Spain if it follows through with its intention to recognize Palestine.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store announced that Norway will recognize Palestine as a state on May 28. Ireland’s leaders are set to make a similar announcement, having previously indicated they would recognize Palestinian statehood by the end of the month. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also mentioned plans to set a date for recognizing Palestine.
Katz criticized the European countries’ moves as a reward for Hamas, referring to the militant group’s October 7 attack that resulted in the deaths of over 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures. “Ireland and Norway intend to send a message to the Palestinians and the whole world today: Terrorism pays,” Katz said, calling the decisions an injustice to the victims of the October 7 attacks.
