Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel said that Sweden’s declaration was counter productive and under no circumstances helpful. He declared: “Unilateral moves are contrary to agreements. They will not bring peace closer, they will distance it. An agreement will only be reached through negotiations which will ensure Israel’s national interests, with the security of Israel’s citizens foremost among them.” Stefan Lofven announced on Friday that Sweden recognizes Palestine as a state. Sweden is the first EU country to make this step. However, Israel considers the declaration inappropriate, considering the situation in the Middle East. The newly elected Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven made the announcement during his inaugural speech to Stockholm’s Parliament.
Avigdor Lieberman, Israel’s Foreign Minister declared that Stefan Lofven has made some hastened declarations before having been able to delve into the subject and fully understand it. He believes it is Palestine who represented an obstacle towards a proper peaceful solution with Israel, so far. He went on and summoned the Swedish ambassador to further discussion on the matter at Israel’s Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem. Lieberman, a far-right politician in Benjamin Netanyahu’s conservative coalition government suggested that Stefan Lofven should focus more on important matters which take place at the moment in that region. He was referring to the mass-murders taking place in Syria and Irak, and on the Islamic State invasion.
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On the other hand, Mahmpud Abbas, the President of Palestine was pleased with Sweden’s statement and described it as great and honorable. During his speech, Stefan Lofven said the conflict between the two countries, Palestine and Israel, needs to be resolved by negotiation in accordance with international law: “A two-state solution requires mutual recognition and a will to peaceful co-existence. Sweden will therefore recognise the state of Palestine”.
Israel declared it wants to negotiate with Palestine, but first Abbas must eliminate the unity government formed with Hamas Islamists. The Hamas controls Gaza and supports the destruction of Israel. Hamas and Israel have been at war several times, the latest during July and August. The U.N. General Assembly approved the recognition of Palestine as a state in 2012. However, the European Union, as well as most European countries have not made official statements regarding the official recognition of Palestine.