As the UN prepares for a summit on Palestinian statehood, Democratic chairman Yair Golan warned that such recognition would be “destructive” for Israel’s security.
While Golan has long supported a two-state framework, he said the timing — less than two years after Hamas’s October 7 massacre — is dangerously premature. “We should be talking about separation with security in Israel’s hands,” he told 103FM radio, stressing the need for a lengthy transitional period to ensure stability.
France, co-chairing the summit with Saudi Arabia, has led Europe’s push to recognize Palestinian statehood. Golan said he tried explaining to French diplomats that recognition now undermines peace efforts. He also criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s policies, claiming they have deepened Israel’s international isolation.
At the same time, Golan rejected annexing Gaza, calling it “impossible” to absorb two million Palestinians. Instead, he emphasized that progress must come from direct Israeli-Palestinian dialogue with regional backing.
