Views and positions expressed here are those of the writer, and do not necessarily represent NJN's views and policy positions.

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Starvation and the Palestinian State

Q. A number of European states, led by France, plan to recognize a Palestinian state in September. Why now, and what is the significance?

A. Recognizing the existence of a (still nonexistent) Palestinian state may be a new response on the part of Europeans to Israel’s failures. But not so the rest of the world, where for years now over 140 countries have ‘recognized’ a Palestinian state. The virtual state of Palestine already has more ambassadors serving abroad than does Israel. Thus far this has had little substantive effect on Israeli security, the Israeli economy or the much-needed two-state solution.

In May 2024, five European states joined the ‘recognition bloc’ without incident. Some of those scheduled to do so in September 2025 have laid down conditions for possibly cancelling their plans--conditions, such as Israel launching a two-state solution process--that the Netanyahu government is unlikely to meet.

Yossi Alpher is an independent security analyst. He is the former director of the Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies at Tel Aviv University, a former senior official with the Mossad, and a former IDF intelligence officer.