His representative Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel, Lior Haiataccused Spain, Malta, Slovenia and Ireland of “rewarding terrorism” with their joint statement on their readiness to recognize a Palestinian state.

In a statement issued on Friday, the four countries said:

“We agree that the only way to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region is through the implementation of a two-state solution, with the Israeli and Palestinian states living side by side in peace and security. We discussed together our readiness to recognize Palestine and said we will do so when it can contribute positively and the conditions are right.”

In response, Hait stated:

“Recognizing a Palestinian state after the October 7 massacre sends a message to Hamas and other Palestinian terrorist organizations that the murderous terrorist attacks against Israelis will be met with political gestures towards the Palestinians.

The only way to combat Palestinian terrorism is to unequivocally condemn Hamas for the war crimes, crimes against humanity and sexual crimes it committed during the October 7 attack and continues to commit, and to issue an explicit call for the release of all of the hostages.

The resolution of the conflict will only be possible through direct negotiations between the parties. Any commitment to recognizing a Palestinian state only distances the achievement of a solution and increases regional instability.”

Israel has repeatedly insisted that the only way to make progress towards a two-state solution is through direct talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority it recognizes. The Palestinians have argued that this effectively gives Israel the right to veto statehood. Israel has occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 1967.