EU-Israel Relations Strained as Spain, Ireland Move to Recognize Palestinian State

The recognition of the Palestinian State by Spain has more symbolic than practical and legal implications. Spain already maintains diplomatic relations with the Palestinian National Authority, and the recognition aims to support the two-state solution and promote the creation of a sovereign and independent Palestinian State. Israel has reacted to these announcements by calling its ambassadors in Norway and Ireland for consultations and warning that it will take similar measures if Spain offici..

Relations between the European Union and Israel have deteriorated as Spain and Ireland prepare to officially recognize a Palestinian state. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz stated that Spain's consulate in Jerusalem will not be allowed to help Palestinians, while the EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell expressed support for the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Spain, Ireland, and Norway plan to recognize Palestine, and the..

The Palestinian Prime Minister is seeking the support of the EU and Arab countries for a reform plan that would allow his government to manage the Gaza Strip after the war. He is mobilizing towards Europe due to the pro-Israel bias of the United States. The plan proposes a permanent ceasefire, the reconstruction of Gaza, and the unification of institutions in the West Bank and Gaza.

The Spanish Government will recognize the Palestinian State today along with Ireland and Norway, joining the list of 140 countries that have already done so. This historic decision has generated criticism from the PP and pressure from Sumar to break diplomatic relations with Israel. Meanwhile, at La Moncloa, they believe that this stance places Spain on the right side of history amidst the European election campaign.