 "President Donald Trump and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrive for a news conference in the East Room of the White House, on Feb. 4, 2025, in Washington. AP File")
In its first response to a wave of countries recognising a Palestinian state, the United States on Monday took aim at its allies’ decision, including Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal.
A US State Department official, speaking to news agency AFP on condition of anonymity, described the recognitions as “performative.”
‘Focus on serious diplomacy, not performative gestures’
“Our focus remains on serious diplomacy, not performative gestures. Our priorities are clear: the release of the hostages, the security of Israel, and peace and prosperity for the entire region that is only possible free from Hamas,” the spokesperson said.
The US has stressed Israel’s security and the release of hostages as central to its Middle East policy. On Thursday, it vetoed a unilateral UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza that did not condemn Hamas or link the ceasefire to the release of hostages.
Netanyahu vows no Palestinian state west of Jordan
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would wait until after his visit to the US to respond to Britain, Canada, and Australia’s recognition.
“It’s not going to happen. There will be no Palestinian state to the west of the Jordan River,” he said, arguing the recognitions were “rewarding terror with an enormous prize” following the October 7 attacks.
He added that any decision on applying sovereignty in the West Bank would depend on President Donald Trump.
Wave of recognitions by key US allies
Earlier on Sunday, Canada, Britain, Australia, and Portugal announced recognition of a Palestinian state. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said the Israeli government “is systematically working to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state,” citing the October 7 Hamas attacks, accelerated settlement construction, rising violence against Palestinians, the E1 building plan, Knesset annexation votes, and Israel’s role in the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including restricting access to food and supplies.
Australia said its recognition “acknowledges the legitimate, long-standing aspirations of the Palestinian people for a state of their own.”