Post-Recognition Plan...

Author: رامي مهداوي

There is no doubt that the current moment carries profound strategic implications in the trajectory of the Palestinian cause. After more than seventy years of conflict and the accompanying Western procrastination and hesitation in recognizing Palestinian rights, we are witnessing today a qualitative shift represented by the joining of significant European countries – led by France, along with Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, and San Marino – to the recognition of the State of Palestine, following similar steps from Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal. These developments are not merely a symbolic gain but a reflection of a shift in the international mood and the exposure of Israel's inability to enforce its narrative on everyone.

The successive recognitions do not directly change the reality of occupation on the ground, but they add a strategic asset that makes it difficult to overlook in the future. They bring the Palestinian issue back to the heart of the international agenda and place the world before a clear choice: either support the right to self-determination or entrench the logic of power, annexation, and settlement. Here lies the significant Palestinian responsibility: how can we make the most of this moment?

First: From Reaction to Initiative

The Palestinian diplomacy has often been content in similar situations to welcome and praise. However, the current phase requires a qualitative shift from a responsive position to an initiating position. A proactive diplomatic vision is essential, based on a well-studied plan to transform the recognitions into tangible gains: raising the level of diplomatic representation, signing bilateral agreements, integrating Palestine into economic and cultural partnerships, and solidifying its presence in international institutions. These steps not only grant Palestinians additional legitimacy but also institutionalize recognition, making it difficult to roll back.

Second: Building a Supportive European Axis

France's leadership of this wave opens the door for institutionalizing a pressing European bloc within the European Union. Palestinian diplomacy must act wisely to capitalize on this alignment and push for collective European decisions: boycotting settlement products, restricting support for projects linked to the occupation, and strengthening the European position within the United Nations and international institutions. The success of this approach can create a real balance against the traditional American bias toward Israel.

Third: Activating the International Legal Dimension

The recognitions do not grant Palestine new legitimacy; rather, they remind of an existing legitimacy under international law. Therefore, the most impactful path is to transfer these recognitions to the arena of international law: the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, and international agreements. Each additional recognition strengthens the Palestinian argument for pursuing the crimes of occupation in settlement, annexation, and displacement. Moreover, the Palestinian diplomacy can formulate a comprehensive legal strategy that makes the occupation politically and economically costly for Israel.

Fourth: Managing the American Contradiction

The American stance on the recent recognitions has been characterized by public discomfort and accusations of being "showy"; however, at its core, it reflects concern over losing control over its Western allies. Here lies an opportunity that should be seized: engaging with unofficial American circles – Congress, think tanks, media – to build new spaces for discussion regarding the two-state solution. The goal is not a direct confrontation with Washington, but rather to exploit the fissures in its discourse to impose the Palestinian issue as a priority that cannot be overlooked.

Fifth: Activating the Arab and Islamic Dimension

The European transformations place a dual duty on Palestinian diplomacy: to strengthen the Arab and Islamic position to act as a supportive and pressuring force in international forums. The upcoming American-Arab-Islamic summit represents an opportunity to formulate a unified stance rejecting any alternatives to the two-state solution and calling for genuine material and political support for the steadfastness of the Palestinians. The combination of international legitimacy with Arab and Islamic support creates a new power equation in facing Israeli policies.

Sixth: Formulating a New Political Discourse

Recognizing the State of Palestine will be meaningless if the Palestinian citizen remains mired in siege, occupation, and settlement. Therefore, it is essential to formulate a new dual-track political discourse: a discourse directed at the world in the language of international law and human rights, and a discourse directed at our people in the language of dignity, hope, and empowerment. This linkage between the international dimension and the popular dimension is what gives Palestinian diplomacy its depth and credibility.

Seventh: Wisely Facing the Israeli Response

There is no doubt that Israel will resort to retaliatory measures, which may begin with symbolic diplomatic actions such as closing consulates, reaching more dangerous scenarios like partial or complete annexation. Here, Palestinian diplomacy must act on two levels: rallying the international community against any unilateral measures, and presenting political initiatives that portray the Palestinian side as a force of construction rather than a force of obstruction. Managing this confrontation requires a mix of firmness and wisdom to preclude Israel from dragging the world into the narrative of "no Palestinian partner."

What is happening today is not merely a transient shift in the positions of some Western capitals, but a strategic repositioning that reinstates the Palestinian cause. However, it is simultaneously a difficult test: either Palestinian diplomacy seizes the day through smart plans, effective partnerships, and sound legal moves, or it will all be lost as previous opportunities have been.

Recognitions are not the end of the road, but the beginning. They represent a historic moment that cannot be measured by statements of support but by the actual change they bring about in people's lives and the future of the state. And history, as we know, does not spare peoples that fail to manage their decisive moments.