152 Countries Recognize Palestine: Europe Leads the Wave as Israel Wavers and Considers Annexing the Jordan Valley

Follow-up and Translation by SadaNews: The international arena is witnessing rapid diplomatic moves regarding the recognition of the State of Palestine, with new countries joining the list of recognizers and European initiatives aimed at expanding this recognition. Meanwhile, Israel is monitoring these developments with concern and studying response options, amid varied stances among major powers. The following report, sourced from the Hebrew newspaper "Yedioth Ahronoth," reviews the latest updates related to international recognitions, Israeli reactions, and the anticipated positions from the United States and France.

The Hebrew newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported in a translation by SadaNews: "The number of countries officially recognizing the State of Palestine has risen to 152, after the announcement of four new countries (Britain, Canada, Australia, Portugal) joining the list of recognizers. It is expected that the United Nations General Assembly will see the announcement of six to eight additional countries recognizing Palestine this week, including France, Belgium, Malta, San Marino, Andorra, and Luxembourg, with anticipation regarding the stance of New Zealand and Finland."

The report continued: "This diplomatic shift has prompted many countries to adjust their official definition of Palestine, as Britain did on its travel warning site, where it included a map of Palestine and advised against traveling to all its areas. However, there are no indications that Canada, Australia, or Britain intend to open embassies in Ramallah at this time."

The Hebrew newspaper added: "Despite this momentum, Palestine will not obtain full membership in the United Nations unless it secures the support of nine members in the Security Council without any of the permanent member states using their veto, which is expected to be done by the United States."

In this context, French President Emmanuel Macron is leading a diplomatic initiative aimed at attracting East Asian countries to recognize Palestine, such as Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. Germany has also indicated the possibility of recognizing Palestine if Israel proceeds to annex parts of the West Bank, which Berlin considers a red line.

According to the report: "As for Israel, it has not yet finalized its response strategy, but is weighing multiple options, the most notable of which is annexing the Jordan Valley, a move that some close to Netanyahu believe could easily pass in Washington. However, the Israeli Prime Minister has removed the option for an immediate response from the table, asserting that the response will come after his return from the United States."

The report added: "Regarding France, which is leading the wave of recognitions, Israel has sent warning messages that it may take strict diplomatic measures, including closing the French consulate in Jerusalem. In response, a senior French diplomat conveyed a clear message: 'Israel is a small country, and France is a major power. Our ability to harm you is greater than your ability to harm us.'"

The United States, for its part, is awaiting Netanyahu's meeting with President Trump on the sidelines of the General Assembly, where the two are expected to discuss the nature of the Israeli response. If Israel decides to take steps against France, it may find American support, particularly in light of tensions between Washington and Paris.

Amid these developments, it seems that international recognition of Palestine is no longer merely a symbolic step, but has become a diplomatic pressure tool that is reshaping positions and presenting Israel with difficult and complex choices.