Israel’s government is split over how to answer a fresh wave of Western recognition of a Palestinian state. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a restricted meeting—excluding National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich—to shape a response, prompting outrage from far-right allies. With Western capitals lining up new recognitions and a two-state summit opening in New York, Israel’s internal debate is hardening between escalation and damage control.

Who Was Left Out—and Why

Channel 12 reported that Netanyahu called the meeting without Ben-Gvir and Smotrich. Allies of the two ministers saw an effort to blunt demands to extend Israeli sovereignty in the West Bank, even as they urge faster annexation measures and steps to dismantle the Palestinian Authority. The exclusions have intensified friction within the coalition, underscoring the stakes as partners clash over strategy and optics at a sensitive diplomatic moment.

Netanyahu’s Cautious Line

According to Israeli media accounts cited in the document, Netanyahu argued for a measured approach to preserve coalition stability and limit diplomatic fallout. The prime minister emphasized close coordination with the U.S. administration of President Donald Trump on the timing and contours of any response. In recent public remarks, Netanyahu has condemned Western recognitions as “rewarding terror,” while aides floated punitive steps, including moves related to West Bank annexation.

Western Moves Reshape the Map

On Sunday, Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal formally recognized the State of Palestine, part of a coordinated push to revive the two-state track. Additional European countries—including France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Malta—signaled they would follow during UN High-Level Week. Diplomats say the aim is to lock in a political horizon for statehood and press for a reformed Palestinian Authority fit to govern Gaza after a ceasefire, while insisting Hamas fighters hold no sway in future governance.

What Comes Next at the UN

A two-state solution summit opens as leaders address the General Assembly, with Israel and the U.S. boycotting. Israel’s UN envoy Danny Danon derided the event as a “circus,” even as recognition momentum builds. Organizers expect statements from additional capitals, with some EU holdouts signaling caution. The tally of UN members recognizing Palestine is described by regional outlets as surpassing 150, and rising with this week’s announcements.