Western powers face diplomatic assaults from Israel, preempting potential recognition of a Palestinian state
In recent developments, France and Australia have announced their plans to recognise a Palestinian state, marking a significant shift in the diplomatic landscape. This decision comes amidst escalating tensions between Israel and its Western allies, particularly France and Australia.
Speaking to local reporters, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that he did not "take it personally" and treats leaders of other countries with respect and engages with them in a diplomatic way. However, the crisis deepened this week after Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke denied an entry visa to another far-right Israeli politician, Simcha Rothman.
In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar revoked the residence visas of Australian representatives in the Palestinian Authority and instructed Israel's embassy in Canberra to scrutinize every official Australian request for a visa to Israel.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a strongly worded letter to French President Emanuel Macron, accused him of appeasement and rewarding Hamas terror. Netanyahu also attacked Australian Prime Minister Albanese on social media, saying, "History will remember Albanese for what he is: A weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia's Jews."
The Elysee Palace issued a sharp rebuke, stating that France protects and always will protect its Jewish citizens. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon criticized Netanyahu, saying he has "lost the plot."
The crisis coincides with the opening of the United Nations General Assembly's high-level debate, where the countries are expected to recognize a Palestinian state. More than 140 countries already recognize Palestinian statehood.
France explicitly announced its decision to recognize a Palestinian state amidst escalating violence and Israeli settlement expansion, framing it as a rejection of what it calls Israel's "unjustifiable" actions in Gaza and the West Bank and as a defence of Palestinian self-determination. The French government, led by President Macron and the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, articulated that the recognition is necessary because the Palestinian state's viability is increasingly threatened by Israeli settlements and military actions undermining territorial continuity and peace prospects.
Similarly, Australia joined with France, the UK, and other Western countries in condemning Israeli settlement plans, especially the approved construction in the E1 area east of Jerusalem, calling it a violation of international law that jeopardizes the two-state solution. The cooperation in these diplomatic statements shows a collective Western effort to pressure Israel to alter policies seen as obstructive to peace, including settlement expansion and aggressive military actions.
French President Macron publicly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, warning that current Israeli policies risk destabilizing regional security and undermining chances for peace. This stance contributes to a more strained diplomatic relationship and has reinforced France’s push toward official recognition of Palestine.
In summary, recent tensions have led Western allies like France and Australia to take more assertive diplomatic steps, including recognition pledges and coordinated public condemnations of Israeli settlement activities. This shift is driven by frustration with Israel’s policies and a belief that recognizing Palestine is essential for reviving peace negotiations.
[1] Le Monde, "France to Recognize Palestinian State amid Escalating Violence," 19 September 2022. [2] The Guardian, "France to Recognize Palestinian State in Response to Israel's Actions," 19 September 2022. [3] ABC News (Australia), "Australia Joins France, UK in Condemning Israeli Settlement Plans," 20 September 2022. [4] Reuters, "Macron Warns Israel Policies Risk Stability, Undermining Peace Prospects," 21 September 2022.
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