Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vehemently condemned UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer following the British government’s recent move to officially recognize Palestine as a sovereign state, accusing Starmer of “rewarding terrorism.”
Speaking from the United States on September 21, ahead of his scheduled meeting with President Donald Trump, Netanyahu asserted that this recognition would not pave the way for peace. He promised a comprehensive response upon his return to Israel.
“To those leaders who endorse a Palestinian state after the horrific attacks of October 7, my message is clear: you are effectively incentivizing terrorism,” Netanyahu declared. “Furthermore, I warn you: a Palestinian state west of the Jordan River will not come to pass.”
The UK’s announcement, made just before the United Nations General Assembly convened, was framed by Starmer as a step toward rekindling hope for peace between Israelis and Palestinians. In a televised speech, he stated, “To revive the prospects for peace and a two-state solution, I affirm as Prime Minister that the United Kingdom formally recognizes the State of Palestine.” He reminded viewers that the UK had recognized Israel over 75 years ago as a homeland for the Jewish people and now joins more than 150 nations in acknowledging Palestine, signaling a commitment to a brighter future for both peoples.
Starmer condemned Hamas as a “merciless terrorist organization” and pledged to intensify sanctions against the group. He emphasized, “Our advocacy for a genuine twostarmer/” title=”Keir … Makes Historic Announcement: UK Officially Recognises …”>-state solution stands in stark contrast to their hateful agenda.” Highlighting the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, he argued that recognition was necessary due to the escalating suffering of civilians.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the decision as “catastrophic,” warning, “This day will be remembered with regret. Rewarding terrorism without imposing any conditions on Hamas only prolongs the plight of hostages in Gaza and fails to alleviate the suffering of innocent civilians caught in this conflict.”
A spokesperson for Reform UK echoed these sentiments, labeling the recognition as “a hasty move by Keir Starmer aimed at appeasing the hard-left factions within and beyond his party.”
Netanyahu reiterated his stance on social media platform X, stating that the UK’s recognition “rewards the heinous terrorism of Hamas and punishes its victims.” He warned, “A jihadist state on Israel’s border today poses a threat to Britain tomorrow. Appeasement of jihadist terrorists has always failed and will fail again.”
The Israeli Foreign Ministry also denounced the UK’s move, cautioning that it “serves as a reward for Hamas and undermines efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza.”
International reactions have been swift and varied. President Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One after his earlier meeting with Starmer in Scotland, revealed that the topic had not been discussed between them. “We never talked about it,” he told reporters. “Recognizing Palestine now is tantamount to rewarding Hamas, which I believe is the wrong approach.”
Despite the backlash, Starmer maintained that the recognition aims to build momentum toward a two-state resolution. “I understand the deep emotions this conflict stirs,” he said. “It has sparked divisions in our communities, schools, and families. While some exploit this to fuel hatred and fear, that path leads nowhere. We must reject hatred in all its forms and unite in hope for a peaceful future – one that includes the release of hostages, an end to violence and suffering, and a renewed commitment to a two-state solution as the most viable path to lasting peace and security for all involved.”
While some members of the Labour Party hailed the UK’s recognition of Palestine as a “historic milestone,” critics argue the gesture is largely symbolic and unlikely to change the harsh realities on the ground. Meanwhile, Israel continues its military campaign in Gaza, where the conflict has already resulted in tens of thousands of casualties.
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