Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett issued stark warnings Sunday, saying that by recognizing a Palestinian state, countries like the UK and France risk empowering radical Muslim minorities within their own borders. Bennett made the remarks ahead of a diplomatic push, led by France and Saudi Arabia, to recognize a Palestinian state during UN General Assembly gatherings.
Bennett pointed to the experience in Gaza, saying that granting Hamas control there led to terror attacks—including the October 7, 2023 massacre. He warned Western governments that recognizing Palestine could embolden radicalized groups among their Muslim populations who, in his view, seek self‑determination and have made hostile statements. “Palestine today means terror tomorrow,” he declared, arguing that symbolic recognition without ensuring peace or security could have unintended domestic consequences.
The wave of recognition came as the UK, Canada, Portugal, and Australia formally recognized a State of Palestine, with several more expected. Bennett and others argue this legitimization without tangible commitments from Hamas—like hostage releases and disarmament—reward terrorism and weaken Israel’s negotiating position.
Critics of Bennett’s remarks contend that stressing radical Muslim minorities in the UK or France in this way can stoke Islamophobia and divide communities. Supporters say his warnings bring needed attention to the potential ripple effects of international policy decisions.
For Israel, the issue remains deeply personal: there are still dozens of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, and the government insists that any peace plan must include their safe return. Bennett calls for recognition of Palestine to be conditional—that states must make hostage release and security guarantees prerequisites for political legitimacy to avoid emboldening radical elements.
