Japan is finalizing plans not to recognize Palestine as a sovereign state for the time being, following the lead of the United States, a staunch ally of Israel, government sources said.
The move is believed to stem from concerns that such recognition could negatively affect the situation in the Middle East, as well as Japan’s relationship with the United States, the sources said.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is not expected to attend a United Nations-led international conference scheduled in New York on Sept. 22 to discuss the two-state solution, a vision for peaceful coexistence of Israel and Palestine as independent sovereign nations.
To date, about 150 countries have recognized Palestine as a sovereign state.
In July, amid Israel’s continued attacks on the Gaza Strip and the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territory, France announced its intention to recognize Palestine as a sovereign state at the U.N. General Assembly meeting in September.
Britain and other contries followed suit with similar announcements.
Japan has been deliberating its response.
However, some government officials have voiced doubts on whether recognizing Palestine at this time would contribute to the two-state solution, noting that it could further harden Israel’s stance.
Additionally, the Trump administration, which has maintained a pro-Israel position, opposes recognition of Palestinian statehood. Washington has conveyed its opposition to Japan regarding the matter, according to government sources.
The international conference will coincide with the “U.N. General Assembly High-level Week” at the U.N. headquarters, which will bring world leaders together.
AloJapan.com