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The Dangers of Premature Recognition of a Palestinian State
(Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs) In a few months, the Palestinian Authority is expected to violate its agreements with Israel and all the international frameworks for Mideast peace by seeking premature recognition of a Palestinian state in the UN in September. Israel remains dedicated to direct negotiations as the only method of resolving the conflict. Meanwhile, the PA has long abandoned peace negotiations. Instead, the Palestinian leadership has embarked on the path of unilateral action, preferring to attempt to force their will on Israel through international pressure. UN Security Council Resolutions 242, 338, 1850 and the Roadmap for peace all call for a mutually-negotiated and agreed resolution of the conflict. All reject unilateral actions. A unilateral declaration of Palestinian statehood would intensify rather than end the conflict. Indeed, the Palestinians would no longer have any incentive to negotiate and compromise. Premature recognition would also allow the Palestinians to continue to avoid the important step of mutual recognition, which includes Israel's right to exist as the nation-state of the Jewish people. Finally, the PA currently fails to meet the established legal tests for statehood. It does not rule the territory in question.