Recently, criticism of Israel has intensified internationally, especially in Europe. The German Chancellor condemned the IDF's actions in Gaza, announcing an embargo on offensive weapons. Leaders from Australia, New Zealand, and Italy also expressed strong concerns. Many countries are increasingly questioning the Israeli government’s narrative about Gaza.
Extensive international media attention highlights atrocities in Gaza and also reports on crimes in the West Bank, with these stories reaching a receptive audience.
Canada, Portugal, and Australia recently declared their intention to recognize a Palestinian state. The Israeli government strongly opposed these moves, while human rights groups and peace advocates welcomed them.
We should be cautious. The two-state solution is the only viable answer to the Israeli Palestinian conflict, but recognizing a Palestinian state now is largely symbolic and unlikely to advance real progress given current realities.
Rather than examining complex issues related to the current condition of the Palestinian Authority and its capacity to utilise increasing international recognition, I intend to focus on interpreting these developments from Israel's standpoint.
It is important to be precise: The current Israeli government is led by far-right, messianic parties. It is carrying out widespread ethnic cleansing in Area C. This ethnic cleansing, which has increased in the last two years and continues today, is being executed with cruelty by violent Jewish terrorists. So far, that ethnic cleansing resulted in dozens of Bedouin Palestinian communities being displaced, with the “cleansed” areas comparable in size to the Gaza Strip.
The right-wing government allows Jewish terrorists to continue their rampages against Palestinian communities, while "turning a blind eye" and at ties with the active support of the army (including its Civil Administration arm) and the police. These forces are acting as occupation militias, in violation of their international law obligations.
Additionally, the occupation has affected the population's freedom of movement, which, among other outcomes, has limited employment and income opportunities for tens of thousands of Palestinians. Many West Bank farmers struggle to access their land, especially due to water supply issues. These problems reflect the broader challenges Palestinians face under Israeli occupation—a grievance often upheld by the Israeli legal system, including the Supreme Court.
Will recognizing a Palestinian state change the current reality, especially as efforts continue to block its creation? I believe that countries moving towards recognition are overlooking the key issue.
Declarations alone are ineffective with an increasingly unpredictable Israeli government. Instead, sustained and multifaceted pressure is needed to end harmful occupation practices against Palestinians and preserve the possibility of a two-state solution. The focus should be on meaningful action, not statements.
International relations and interests are complex, often ambiguous, and not always within the control of any one party. We, Israeli individuals and organizations with direct experience of local realities believe it is important to communicate their perspective. We expect other countries go beyond issuing statements and take action regarding the policies and practices of the occupation, clarifying that supporting Israel currently involves addressing and responding to the actions of the Israeli government.
Only strong international pressure may alter our current course, which harms both Palestinian and Israeli societies.
Although our influence may seem limited, we should not be discouraged. When engaging with countries recognizing a Palestinian state, we must clearly insist they require Israel to evacuate illegal outposts, restore displaced communities, and address Jewish extremism. Without these demands, recognition of a Palestinian state carries little substance.
I understand success isn't guaranteed. Still, I see no alternative right now and feel we have nothing to lose. It is our practical and ethical obligation to take action as soon as possible.
