What It’s About
Visiting Madrid, Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli voiced strong opposition to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s plans to recognize a Palestinian state. Chikli asserted that such a move rewards terrorism and denounced the lack of condemnation from Palestinian authorities regarding a deadly attack by Hamas on October 7.
Why It Matters
Spain’s endorsement of Palestinian statehood is viewed by Israel as misguided and dangerous, particularly in light of the recent attacks from Hamas that targeted Israeli civilians. Chikli’s statements highlight the Israeli government’s stance against rewarding violent actions with political concessions and recognition.
Chikli’s Position
Speaking at an event organized by Spain’s right-wing Vox party, Chikli took a firm stance against granting Palestinian statehood, critiquing Sanchez’s perspective as misaligned with the realities of Middle Eastern geopolitics and security concerns. He emphasized that no senior Palestinian officials condemned the Hamas atrocity, challenging the premise of conferring statehood under these circumstances.
Global Far-Right Alignment
The conference included several global right-wing leaders, notably Argentina’s pro-Israel president, Javier Milei. Chikli capitalized on the event to underscore the broader implications of recognizing a Palestinian state, positioning Israel’s struggle against Hamas as a critical point of alignment for right-wing and pro-Israel governance worldwide.
Historical Context and Current Dynamics
Spain, along with a few other European Union members, has moved towards recognizing a Palestinian state despite recent escalations in violence. Sanchez reiterated the recognition agenda back in March, connecting it to the decade-long effort to establish a two-state solution. However, Israel perceives this as an endorsement of actions despite the Palestinians’ lack of peaceful engagement.
Despite controversies surrounding Vox’s political platform and history, Chikli found common ground with them, contrasting the Spanish left’s perceived leniency towards these elements with a need for moral clarity on issues of international security and terrorism.
Reaffirming Israel’s Stance
Chikli also attended other right-wing events globally, reinforcing alliances with parties sympathetic to Israel’s security challenges. This regime of diplomatic engagement reflects Israel’s strategic choice to partner with entities recognizing its fight against terrorism and support for Jewish communities internationally, despite criticisms from other ideological spectrums.
Conclusion
The Israeli government’s condemnation of Europe’s alignment with Palestinian statehood underlines a broader ideological clash over how peace and security should be pursued in the region, highlighting a steadfast opposition to rewarding violent and unrecognized acts of war.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.