US Secretary of State Tony Blinken has directed the State Department to explore the possibility of recognizing a Palestinian state in the aftermath of the Gaza war, as per two U.S. officials familiar with the matter, Axios reports.
The move signals a potential major shift in the Biden administration’s approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Historically, U.S. policy has consistently opposed the unilateral recognition of Palestine as a state, emphasizing that Palestinian statehood should be a result of direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
However, a senior U.S. official highlighted that the recent Gaza conflict has prompted a reevaluation of longstanding U.S. policies. The Biden administration is reportedly considering linking the possible normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia with the establishment of a pathway towards Palestinian statehood. Since October 7, Saudi officials have indicated that any normalization with Israel would be contingent upon creating a concrete path towards a Palestinian state.
Some in the Biden administration now believe that recognizing a Palestinian state could be an initial step in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, rather than a final outcome. The options under consideration include unilateral U.S. recognition of Palestine, refraining from vetoing Palestine’s full UN membership in the Security Council, or encouraging other countries to acknowledge Palestine.
Blinken has also requested a review on the concept of a demilitarized Palestinian state, drawing comparisons with other global models. This idea, proposed by Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu between 2009 and 2015, aims to explore how a two-state solution might ensure Israel’s security.
The White House is reportedly aware of these reviews, and a National Security Council spokesperson reiterated the longstanding U.S. policy that Palestinian statehood should result from direct negotiations, not unilateral actions at the UN.
However, Netanyahu, a longstanding opponent of a two-state solution, and his government, remain firmly against Palestinian sovereignty. U.S. officials acknowledge the improbability of Israeli agreement on a path toward Palestinian statehood.
In the context of these developments, Blinken is scheduled to meet Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer to discuss post-war plans in Gaza and potential normalization with Saudi Arabia. Dermer has already held discussions with White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan on similar issues.
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7 Responses
Im all for a Palestinian state as long as they & the world understands that rockets fired into Israel are no longer an act of terror but are an “Act of War” by a sovereign country giving Israel the right to respond to any attack the same way any other country would when attacked by a neighboring country.
The administration’s new definition to “we’ve got your back” means we’re operating behind your back.
And I unilaterally declare the state of Texas a province of Mexico.
Do these utter fools not see how this would be a REWARD to terrorism??! How does this not show every Palestinian that Hamas is right and violence is their best bet? In truth, it shows every US enemy worldwide, regardless of affiliation, that violence is the way to win with these fools in the White House. Think Putin, Kim, Xi, ISIS, Hezbollah etc etc
Jordan is Palestine.
GAZA should have been a lesson learned; they received independence 16 years ago and turned into a terror state – terror to Israel, terror to its own citizens – the same can be expected from an independent Palestine.
Heard this before? If we only give up Gish Katif everything will be fine.
NEVER, never trust a DemocRAT.