ISRAEL has said it is recalling its ambassadors to Ireland and Norway following the news that, along with Spain, the two countries would recognise Palestinian statehood.
In a press conference on Wednesday morning, Irish premier Simon Harris said it is “never the wrong time to do the right thing,” with all three countries to formally recognise Palestine as a state from May 28.
Israel has reacted with fury to the news, with its foreign minister Israel Katz saying in a statement that “terrorism pays”.
Writing on Twitter/X, Katz said: “I have instructed the immediate recall of Israel’s ambassadors to Ireland and Norway for consultations in light of these countries’ decision to recognise a Palestinian state.
“I’m sending a clear and unequivocal message to Ireland and Norway: Israel will not remain silent in the face of those undermining its sovereignty and endangering its security.”
I have instructed the immediate recall of Israel’s ambassadors to Ireland and Norway for consultations in light of these countries' decisions to recognize a Palestinian state. I’m sending a clear and unequivocal message to Ireland and Norway: Israel will not remain silent in the…
— ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) May 22, 2024
He further warned that a "similar step" would be taken against Spain should it "follow through on its intention to recognise a Palestinian state".
Katz added: “Today’s decision sends a message to the Palestinians and the world - terrorism pays.
“After the Hamas terror organisation carried out the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, after committing heinous sexual crimes witnessed by the world, these countries chose to reward Hamas and Iran by recognising a Palestinian state.
“This distorted step by these countries is an injustice to the memory of the victims of 7/10, a blow to efforts to return the 128 hostages, and a boost to Hamas and Iran’s jihadists, which undermines the chance for peace and questions Israel’s right to self-defence.”
The news comes after the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced on Monday that it was seeking arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu, his defence minister Yoav Gallant and a number of senior Hamas figures.
Speaking on Wednesday, Harris (above) said: “I want to know in years to come, that Ireland spoke up, spoke out in favour of peace, in favour of a political settlement that allows children in Palestine, children in Israel, to live safely and in peace and security side-by-side.
“It has been the long-standing position of this country that a two-state solution is the way to bring peace to the Middle East.”
Irish deputy premier Micheal Martin said that countries such as Jordan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia are “extremely concerned” about the impact of the war in Gaza and the October attack on stability in the region.
“They’re saying to us that recognition is an important part of their desire to have a political track to replace this terrible war that’s currently being waged,” he said.
