Britain Warns Tel Aviv Following Decision to Recognize the Palestinian State

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper warned Israel against annexing parts of the West Bank in response to the United Kingdom’s decision to recognize the Palestinian state. She emphasized that the British government has made it clear to Israel the necessity of refraining from unilateral steps that could affect security and stability in the region.

Cooper, speaking to BBC ahead of her participation in the United Nations conference in New York, stated that the UK’s decision aims to ensure the security of both Israelis and Palestinians and to protect peace and justice in the Middle East. She affirmed that the UK will continue working with all parties to achieve this goal.

The British minister added that extremism on both sides threatens the two-state solution, and that the UK has a moral obligation to revive opportunities for peace. She stressed the importance of recognizing the Palestinians’ right to their own state alongside continued recognition of the State of Israel.

Cooper did not specify when the British Consulate General in East Jerusalem would be upgraded to a full embassy, affirming that it will continue its current work until an official diplomatic process with the Palestinian Authority begins.