MOSCOW, November 23 (Sputnik) — French recognition of Palestine would be a reckless step, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told i24news on Sunday.
“Of course we're worried by the vote on recognition of Palestinian state in French parliament; it's an irresponsible move," Netanyahu stated.
French parliament will hold a non-binding vote on Palestine’s status on December 2. The proposal, which encourages the government to recognize Palestine as a state, was introduced by the Socialist Party and is aimed at achieving a positive shift in the Israel-Palestine conflict, according to Reuters.
A similar non-binding vote on Palestine’s recognition had already been held on October 13 in Great Britain, where national lawmakers had approved a resolution to "recognize the state of Palestine alongside the state of Israel as a contribution to securing a negotiated two-state solution."
The Swedish government officially recognized Palestine late October. Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom stressed that Palestine fulfilled all criteria for statehood and expressed hope that her country’s decision would inspire other EU states to follow suit.
However, the recent wave of “pro-Palestine spirits” in the EU contributed to diplomatic tensions between Europe and Israel. Israel has recalled its ambassador to Sweden after Stockholm's recognition of Palestine, with the country’s officials claiming that Sweden’s decision was unfortunate and such moves could lead to the further strengthening of radical groups in Palestine.
