Israel has said it will boycott diplomatic visits to countries that recognize Palestine as a state. The move comes ahead of the United Nations General Assembly meeting in September, where several nations are expected to support Palestinian statehood.
France is set to officially recognize Palestine during the upcoming UN session. The United Kingdom and Canada have also shown interest in recognition, but with conditions. The UK wants Israel to agree to a ceasefire in Gaza, while Canada wants reforms in the Palestinian Authority, including elections that exclude Hamas by 2026.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly opposes these moves. He argues that recognizing Palestine without direct peace talks only encourages violence. Netanyahu especially criticized France, saying it is “rewarding terrorism” and could be helping to create another Iranian-backed government in the region. He referred to the Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023, which killed 1,200 people and led to 250 hostages.
France will be the first G7 country to formally recognize Palestine. Other countries are expected to join the call for a two-state solution during the UN meeting. However, Germany has chosen not to support any unilateral recognition and still wants a peace deal negotiated by both sides.
The boycott is likely to affect only official government visits and not wider diplomatic ties. It is based on reports from social media and has not yet been confirmed by formal Israeli statements, leaving its full scope unclear.
Since October 2023, Israeli military actions in Gaza have killed nearly 60,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials. These events have increased global pressure on Israel, with many nations calling for an end to the violence and a renewed focus on peace.
Today, more than 75% of UN member states—147 out of 193—already recognize Palestine as a state. Still, Israel remains firmly against such recognition without a peace agreement. Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon called it “diplomatic terrorism,” saying it gives strength to Hamas and weakens chances for peace.
Supporters of recognition, like French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, argue that recognizing Palestine is necessary to keep the two-state solution alive.
As the UN Assembly approaches, Israel’s planned boycott reflects growing global divisions over how to end the long-running Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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