UK, France, and Canada risk undermining Ukraine support by recognizing Palestine – analyst

The decision by the United Kingdom, France, and Canada to recognize the State of Palestine could strain ties with Washington and weaken transatlantic support for Ukraine, according to Daniel Samet, a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, writing in The Wall Street Journal.

Samet described the move as a “dangerous and unnecessary mistake,” warning that it could anger pro-Israel Republicans who control both chambers of Congress and the White House, many of whom also strongly support Ukraine.

“If Paris and London see Ukraine’s security as inseparable from Euro-Atlantic security, and Ottawa supports a free and sovereign Ukraine, why are they alienating their U.S. allies?” he wrote.

Samet argued that recognition would not lead to the creation of a viable Palestinian state but could instead embolden Hamas. Former President Donald Trump also echoed this view, saying the move empowers actors obstructing a ceasefire and the release of hostages.