France threatens to recognize Palestine

[Askold]

The threat was made that if Israel and Palestine do not accomplish anything in their peace negotiations France will recognize Palestine.

https://www.jerusalemonline.com/news/world-news/the-israeli-connection/france-gives-israel-an-ultimatum-18819

Israelis are already protesting this statement:

“The French Foreign Minister stated in advance that if his initiative leads to a dead end, France will recognize a Palestinian state. This statement gives the Palestinians an incentive for reaching a deadlock. This is not the way to conduct a negotiation and achieve peace.”

Meanwhile people are (once again) making "surrender monkey" jokes on Facebook and insulting the French in any way they can think of. Personally I think that even if this is a solution that is forced on people it's not like there haven't been several decades of time to make a peaceful solution without force. ...And it's not like Israel was created without force either.

[Tolpuddle Martyr]

What's the bet those jokes are being made by the some of the same people who were all about France after the Paris attacks?

[Art Vandelay]

What's the bet those jokes are being made by the some of the same people who were all about France after the Paris attacks?

I was thinking the same.

[Lt. Fred]

A very brave and necessary move by Paris. Good for them.

[Even Then]

I know I'm ignorant of politics and that there's a lot more to the situation than this, but on its face this situation is just absurd. "Israel, if you don't give us what we want, we'll... announce that we think this region should be able to govern itself independently at you!"

[Eiki-mun]

I know I'm ignorant of politics and that there's a lot more to the situation than this, but on its face this situation is just absurd. "Israel, if you don't give us what we want, we'll... announce that we think this region should be able to govern itself independently at you!"

International recognition is important to the legitimacy of a nation state. It really is a big deal, and I for one couldn't support it more.

[Even Then]

I'm aware it's important, and I support it too. But I think there's some humour to the nature of the situation.

[ironbite]

I'm with Even Then on this.  The bitching that Israel is doing over this is just cartoonishly stupid.

Ironbite-if France does this, does that mean Israel is gonna stomp up to it's room, slam the door, and scream into it's pillow?

[RavynousHunter]

God, I hope so.  Somebody needs to put them in their fucking place.

[Ultimate Paragon]

To be fair, that's a legitimate concern.  Though my response would be to find some kind of bargaining chip to disincentivize the Palestinians from stonewalling.

On the other hand, I think if the PLO is recognized as Palestine's legitimate government, it might undermine Hamas's authority.

[Eiki-mun]

To be fair, that's a legitimate concern.  Though my response would be to find some kind of bargaining chip to disincentivize the Palestinians from stonewalling.

On the other hand, I think if the PLO is recognized as Palestine's legitimate government, it might undermine Hamas's authority.

Er... what's a legitimate concern? That France might recognize a Palestinian state? Because I'd say that's less a "concern" and more "why didn't you do this sooner".

[Ultimate Paragon]

To be fair, that's a legitimate concern.  Though my response would be to find some kind of bargaining chip to disincentivize the Palestinians from stonewalling.

On the other hand, I think if the PLO is recognized as Palestine's legitimate government, it might undermine Hamas's authority.

Er... what's a legitimate concern? That France might recognize a Palestinian state? Because I'd say that's less a "concern" and more "why didn't you do this sooner".

No, that it might incentivize the Palestinians to force a deadlock.  That's not to say the reaction is justified, of course.

[ironbite]

.......oy.

[Lt. Fred]

To be fair, that's a legitimate concern.  Though my response would be to find some kind of bargaining chip to disincentivize the Palestinians from stonewalling.

On the other hand, I think if the PLO is recognized as Palestine's legitimate government, it might undermine Hamas's authority.

Perhaps bombing them? Israel has endless bargaining chips. Palestine has none. That's why the war continues, and no other reason.

[Ultimate Paragon]

To be fair, that's a legitimate concern.  Though my response would be to find some kind of bargaining chip to disincentivize the Palestinians from stonewalling.

On the other hand, I think if the PLO is recognized as Palestine's legitimate government, it might undermine Hamas's authority.

Perhaps bombing them? Israel has endless bargaining chips. Palestine has none. That's why the war continues, and no other reason.

That's a ridiculously one-sided view, almost bordering on self-parody.