The United States has issued a sharp warning to its NATO allies after several Western governments formally recognized the State of Palestine.

The move has triggered a political storm in Washington, with senior lawmakers openly questioning whether America should remain a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

U.S Leads Backlash

Florida Representative Randy Fine strongly condemned the recognitions, saying European nations had chosen to side with those who support terror against Israel.

“We must have a serious discussion about whether these countries are truly our allies and whether the United States should continue to be bound by NATO obligations when our supposed partners are undermining our closest friend in the Middle East.”

On 21 September 2025, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the United Kingdom had officially recognized the State of Palestine.

In his statement, Starmer said the decision was aimed at reviving hope for peace and advancing a two-state solution.

“Today, to restore faith in a peaceful future for both Israelis and Palestinians, the United Kingdom formally recognizes the State of Palestine,” he declared.

The UK’s decision was quickly followed by similar recognitions from Canada, Australia, Portugal, Ireland, Spain, and several other European Union member states.

This marks the first time multiple Western powers have simultaneously granted full diplomatic recognition to Palestine, a move that has significantly altered the balance of international diplomacy on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Israel Condemns European Governments

On 22 September 2025, Israel responded angrily to the announcements, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu describing the recognitions as a historic mistake and a reward for terrorism.

Netanyahu warned that unilateral recognition would set back efforts to secure the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas and complicate ongoing security operations.

He vowed that Israel would take diplomatic and security measures to protect its national interests, although he did not specify what actions would be taken.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry has summoned ambassadors from each of the countries that recognized Palestine to deliver formal protests, with these meetings intended to make clear that the decisions have serious consequences for bilateral relations.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced that Israel is reviewing its intelligence-sharing agreements and defense partnerships with certain European states.

He said the government must reassess whether these relationships remain viable given what he described as a fundamental breakdown of trust.

European leaders have defended their actions, arguing that recognition is necessary to keep alive the possibility of a two-state solution.

They maintain that without decisive action, the window for peace will close permanently.

Washington Divided Over NATO Exit

While the White House has not officially backed calls to leave NATO, senior U.S. officials expressed concern that Europe’s actions could complicate American diplomacy in the region.

The issue has become a big issue in Congress, where Republicans and some conservative Democrats have demanded a reassessment of NATO’s purpose.

They argue that an alliance where key members act independently on sensitive issues like Middle East diplomacy risks losing its strategic organization.

Also Read: Israel Explains Why Food Intended for Gaza’s Children Was Blocked

Fine’s comments were supported by other lawmakers, who suggested suspending military aid to countries that recognized Palestine until they clarified their positions on counterterrorism and defense cooperation.

Risks for Europe

For European members, the possibility of a reduced U.S. role in NATO carries extreme security risks.

The United States provides the majority of the alliance’s military capabilities, including nuclear obstruction, rapid deployment forces, and advanced intelligence networks.

Any shift in American commitment would force European states to dramatically increase their own defense spending and coordination.

Also Read: Israel Issues Warning to UK After Recognising Palestine as State

Countries bordering Russia, such as Poland and the Baltic states, are particularly concerned.

They fear that internal disputes over Middle East policy could weaken NATO’s ability to deter aggression in Eastern Europe, leaving them vulnerable to external threats.

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