Israeli Outrage Over UK's Palestine Recognition Announcement: "Macron Broke the Dam"

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday expressed its outright rejection of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's announcement of his country's intention to recognize a Palestinian state. The ministry stated that this step represents "a change in the British position under the influence of internal political pressure and the French move," asserting that this announcement "rewards Hamas and harms ongoing efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and an agreement for the release of hostages."

"Macron Broke the Dam": Israel Warns of Escalating Western Pressure

Commenting on the UK's announcement, a senior Israeli political source said that French President Emmanuel Macron "broke the dam," referring to the start of an increasing wave of Western pressure on Israel regarding its policies in the Gaza Strip. The source told the Israeli newspaper "Yedioth Ahronoth" that the British announcement was not surprising given what he described as the "immense political pressure" faced by the British government.

The Israeli source described the decision as a "bad announcement," considering that it "sends the wrong message to the Hamas movement and encourages it not to agree to any deal" to end the war in the Strip, reflecting Israel's fears that this recognition could strengthen Hamas's position in negotiations.

UK and France: Recognition to Protect the Two-State Solution

Starmer's announcement came on Tuesday during a cabinet meeting, where he declared Britain's intention to recognize a Palestinian state in September, unless the Israeli government takes concrete steps to end the "appalling situation" in Gaza. Starmer emphasized that this recognition aims to "protect the two-state solution," noting that "the increasingly untenable situation in Gaza and the diminishing prospects for a two-state solution" make the recognition of a Palestinian state a necessary step now.

Days before the British announcement, French President Macron had announced that France would officially recognize a Palestinian state during the United Nations General Assembly meetings next September. Macron expressed hope that this step would contribute to enhancing opportunities for achieving peace in the Middle East. In an official message addressed to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and published on X, Macron confirmed that his country would thus become the first major Western power to officially recognize the Palestinian state, adding significant momentum to international calls for the recognition of a Palestinian state.