Israel, US to boycott summit on Palestinian statehood as more countries announce recognition

Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon said the event is a “circus” that rewards terrorism.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

France and Saudi Arabia will open a summit in New York on Monday aimed at advancing a two-state solution, with several countries expected to recognize a Palestinian state.

The initiative comes as world leaders gather for the UN General Assembly.

The United Kingdom, Canada, Portugal, and Australia announced recognition on Sunday, and six more nations are expected to follow during the summit.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas will not attend in person after the United States denied visas to his delegation.

He is scheduled to deliver remarks by video. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, though a co-host, will also appear remotely.

Israel and the United States have declined to attend the conference.

Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon said the event is a “circus” that rewards terrorism.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to respond to the wave of recognitions once he returns from New York.

Several cabinet ministers are pressing for the annexation of parts of Judea and Samaria in response.

Saudi Arabia has cautioned that annexation would have “major implications,” while the United Arab Emirates has called such a step a “red line.”

The US administration has also criticized the recognitions. A State Department spokesperson described them as “performative” and said Washington’s focus is on “serious diplomacy,” including the release of hostages and the security of Israel.

Officials have hinted at consequences for states that move against Israel, including France.

The summit takes place as Israel intensifies its ground offensive in Gaza City nearly two years after the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attack.

Supporters of recognition argue that time is running out for a two-state framework, while Israel maintains that statehood recognition rewards terrorism while hostages remain in captivity.

The UN General Assembly, earlier this month, endorsed a declaration calling for irreversible steps toward a Palestinian state while condemning Hamas and demanding its disarmament.