The Speaker of Israel’s Parliament, Amir Ohana, has lashed out at France and the United Kingdom over their plans to recognize a Palestinian state, saying they should “build one in London or Paris” if they want it so badly.
Speaking at a conference of parliamentary speakers in Geneva, Ohana warned that rewarding Hamas with statehood recognition — in light of the deadly October 7 attacks — would backfire dramatically.
“Rewarding Hamas with the recognition of a Palestinian state, after the events of October 7, will not bring stability, coexistence, or cooperation,” Ohana said. “It will bring more killings of Israelis and Jews. If that’s what you want — if you want what you call a Palestinian state — then build it in London, build it in Paris, build it in your own countries.”
A Harsh Rebuttal
Ohana argued that what some European nations describe as “peace” would in reality fuel further conflict in the region.
“What some European countries call peace will only lead to more war. But the war we are fighting will bring peace,” he added.
He urged his fellow parliamentary leaders to “defend the truth against propaganda” and stand “on the right side of history — our side.”
Walkout in Geneva
According to The Times of Israel, lawmakers from Iran, Yemen, and the Palestinian Authority walked out of the hall during Ohana’s speech in protest.
Recognition Plans Moving Ahead
In recent days, France and the UK have announced they intend to formally recognize a Palestinian state by September, unless Israel makes significant improvements in the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and takes concrete steps toward peace.
The move is part of renewed European pressure on Israel amid the ongoing war in Gaza and rising calls for a two-state solution. While some EU member states — such as Spain, Ireland, and Norway — have already announced recognition, France and Britain’s endorsement would mark a major diplomatic shift given their traditional alignment with the United States on Middle East policy.
Growing Tensions
Ohana’s sharp remarks reflect Israel’s anger at what it sees as Western concessions to Hamas and other Palestinian factions following last year’s brutal attacks, which killed over a thousand Israelis and triggered Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza.
“We are fighting a war to ensure peace. Europe’s gestures will only prolong the conflict,” Ohana insisted.
What’s Next?
If Paris and London go through with formal recognition, it would be one of the biggest diplomatic blows to Israel in recent years — and could deepen splits among Western allies over how to achieve a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
Meanwhile, both countries say their move is intended to pressure Israel to change course and commit to meaningful negotiations for a two-state solution.
