White House considering recognizing Palestine as a state, report reveals

Senior U.S. officials revealed that Secretary of State Antony Blinken asked the State Department to present policy options for possible U.S. and international recognition of the Palestinian state after the war, according to a report in Axios.

Although the United States has opposed recognition of Palestine as a state for decades, the new report indicates that a substantial policy review is being contemplated in an attempt to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Gaza.

“Some inside the Biden administration are now thinking recognition of a Palestinian state should possibly be the first step in negotiations to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict instead of the last,” a senior U.S. official told Axios.

Another factor driving the White House to consider this option is the United States' interest in normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, as Saudi officials have emphasized that any possible peace agreement would be conditional on the eventual recognition of Palestine as a state.

The U.S. considers its options

The report presents three options that could be considered to advance the issue: bilateral recognition of the state of Palestine, promoting other countries to recognize Palestine or refraining from using the veto to prevent the UN Security Council from admitting Palestine as a full member state.

However, before making any decision is taken, it was requested to evaluate what a demilitarized Palestine would look like and whether this would be a safe scenario for Israel.

Not the first time the US evaluates the recognition of Palestine

The Axios report is consistent with a statement released by the State Department late last year in which it was revealed that the United States is willing to “establish a future Palestinian state” if this would contribute to achieving peace and maintaining stability in the region.

The statement issued after a crucial meeting between Blinken and the joint delegation of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, reiterates the United States' support for Israel, as well as the urgency of addressing humanitarian needs in Gaza and containing further escalation of the conflict between the Jewish State and Hamas.

“Secretary Blinken reaffirmed the United States’ support for Israel’s right to ensure Hamas can never repeat the October 7 attacks as well as the urgency of addressing humanitarian needs in Gaza, protecting Palestinian civilians from harm, preventing displacement, and containing further spread of the conflict. The Secretary discussed the U.S. commitment to achieving lasting peace and security in the region including through the establishment of a future Palestinian state alongside the State of Israel" the text states.