Israel Condemns Canada, UK, and Australia’s Recognition of Palestinian State as “Immoral Reward to Terrorism”

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has sharply condemned the decision by Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia to formally recognise a Palestinian state, describing the move as “infuriating and immoral.”

In a strongly worded video statement released on Friday, Saar accused the three nations of “rewarding terrorism” and undermining peace efforts in the Middle East.

“On the one hand, it is a reward to Hamas following the October 7th massacre. It cannot be perceived as anything other than encouragement of terrorism,” Saar said.

He also criticised the Palestinian Authority, accusing it of maintaining the controversial “Pay for Slay” policy — a reference to payments reportedly made to families of Palestinians imprisoned or killed in conflicts with Israel.

“By paying terrorists, the Palestinian Authority is encouraging terrorism and violating its obligations under existing agreements,” he added.

Saar stressed that Israel’s opposition to the creation of a Palestinian state remains firm, saying the decision about the future of the region “will not be made in London or Paris.”

“The future of the Land of Israel will be decided here, in Jerusalem,” he declared.

The coordinated recognition by the three Western allies marks a significant diplomatic shift, with leaders in Ottawa, London, and Canberra arguing that a two-state solution is the only path toward lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

However, Israel’s reaction underscores deep divisions over how best to revive the long-stalled peace process — especially in the wake of last year’s devastating October 7 Hamas attacks and Israel’s subsequent military response in Gaza.