Netanyahu’s Diplomatic Gambit: Revisiting Palestinian State Recognition in the Shadow of Saudi Influence
Watan-Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering acquiescing to the de facto American decision to recognize a Palestinian state in exchange for a historic breakthrough with Saudi Arabia through normalization with the kingdom.
Hebrew media outlets quoted a political source familiar with the details as saying that according to the proposed framework, the Americans would recognize a Palestinian state as a single party, while Israel opposes and clarifies that any permanent agreement always includes a Palestinian state and can only be achieved through direct negotiations.
The intention behind acquiescing to the American step is to make a historic political breakthrough with Saudi Arabia.Days ago, the American newspaper “The Washington Post” reported that President Joe Biden’s administration intends to recognize a Palestinian state within a few weeks.
This move faced strong criticism from many ministers in the occupation government on the pretext that establishing a Palestinian state poses a danger to Israel after the October 7 attack.
However, Netanyahu del ayed his response in a calculated manner to the step being considered by Washington. He did not speak on the matter throughout the day on Thursday. Only on the night between Thursday and Friday did his office publish what he said on the matter in the cabinet session.
Netanyahu reiterated on Sunday what he said in a briefing to journalists, emphasizing that “Israel rejects outright international dictates on the issue of permanent settlement with the Palestinians. Such a settlement will only be achieved through direct negotiations between the parties, without preconditions.”
Netanyahu added that Israel will continue to oppose unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, considering that such recognition in the October 7 attack rewards what he called “unprecedented terrorism” and prevents any future peace settlement.
Why did Netanyahu delay his response?
A political source explained that Netanyahu’s delay in responding and the limited formulation chosen express the understanding crystallized with the American administration, under which, although Netanyahu expresses opposition to unilateral recognition, he will express his consent to negotiations with the Palestinians on a future settlement without preconditions.
Through this formulation, Netanyahu hopes that the Americans can convince the Saudis that Israel has made a significant progress in the Palestinian issue.
In return, Riyadh would be prepared to make a historic recognition of Israel.
It is worth noting that Netanyahu has not yet made a final decision in this direction, but he is seriously considering it with Minister Ron Dermer, who is conducting talks with the Americans.
The newspaper reported that Israel has opposed for decades the intention of Western countries to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state, because such recognition constitutes a reward for the Palestinians and reduces their desire to negotiate with Israel, as the international community always extracts concessions from one side.
A political source stated that if the American step is implemented, its meaning will be a severe political blow.
He pointed out that many Western countries will follow in Washington’s footsteps and recognize a Palestinian state. However, there is significant importance to the formulation of recognition if it specifies the territorial lands, the capital of that state, and its security control and other aspects.
