Israel Unites Against Hollow Recognition of Palestine, but PM Could Be Pushed Too Far

As Hamas Exults, Opposition Joins Coalition in Blasting Palestinian State Tsunami. Netanyahu Has to Respond, and His Coalition Wants Annexation, but Arab Partners Will Be Pressing Trump Against It

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to the UN General Assembly in New York in September 2023.

As was widely expected, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal formally recognized a Palestinian state on Sunday.

Facing intense Israeli anger and accusations of rewarding terror, their leaders argued that the move would actually undermine Hamas and encourage peace based on a two-state solution.

“Portugal advocates the two-state solution as the only path to a just and lasting peace… A ceasefire is urgent,” said Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel, adding that Hamas “cannot have any form of control in Gaza or outside it” and demanding the release of all hostages in the Strip.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said his country’s recognition was part of “a practical plan to bring people together behind a common vision and a series of steps, including the reform of the Palestinian Authority, that takes us from a ceasefire in Gaza to negotiations on a two-state solution.”

Read the full article at the Times of Israel.

Published originally on September 22, 2025.

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Lazar Berman

Lazar Berman is the diplomatic correspondent at the Times of Israel, where he also covers Christian Affairs. He holds an M.A. in Security Studies from Georgetown University and taught at Salahuddin University in Iraqi Kurdistan. Berman is a reserve captain in the IDF’s Commando Brigade and served in a Bedouin unit during his active service.