Japan does not recognize Palestine for the time being – restraint due to US pressure

Japan has decided not to recognize the Palestinian state for the time being.

According to the Asahi newspaper, this is related to pressure from the US and efforts to avoid diplomatic tensions with Israel.

While several Western countries—including France, the UK, and Canada—plan to support Palestinian statehood at the United Nations this month, Tokyo has so far only spoken of a “comprehensive review” of the situation.

Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya emphasized that the right timing is also crucial.
However, French diplomat Jean-Noel Barrot called on his Japanese counterpart to proceed with recognition.

At the same time, a government spokesman criticized the Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip and warned of the collapse of the two-state solution.

Although Japan voted in favor of a UN resolution supporting this principle, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reportedly does not plan to attend a key meeting on this issue in New York.

Meanwhile, Berlin and Rome described recognition of Palestine as inappropriate at this point in time.
(reuters, lup)