Denmark Says ‘Not Ready’ to Recognize Palestinian State, But Rejects Israeli Veto

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen stated Sunday during a press conference in Jerusalem that Denmark is “not ready to recognize a Palestinian state,” while emphasizing that “Israel does not have a veto over any Danish recognition.”

The remarks came during a joint appearance with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, who had earlier reiterated that establishing a Palestinian state would endanger Israel’s security.

Rasmussen expressed concerns over Israel’s military operations in Gaza and settlement expansion in the West Bank. “Israel must stop military offensives in Gaza,” he said. “Copenhagen is concerned about settlement expansionism in the West Bank.”

He also urged Israel to allow injured Gazans to be transported to East Jerusalem and the West Bank for medical treatment.

Sa’ar countered that the Gaza war could end if Hamas released all hostages and laid down its arms. His comments came a day after Hamas said it would free all captives in exchange for a full IDF withdrawal and a permanent ceasefire.

While reaffirming Denmark’s strong support for Israel’s right to self-defense, Rasmussen’s tone reflected growing European concern over humanitarian conditions in Gaza and the lack of progress toward a two-state solution.

The Danish position aligns with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s comments in mid-August, when she criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but opposed recognizing a Palestinian state, saying that “recognizing Palestine here and now will not help the thousands of children currently fighting for their survival.”

Despite rejecting recognition at this time, Rasmussen made clear that Denmark believes Israel’s current actions “are undermining the two-state solution,” a sentiment he repeated during an EU ministerial meeting in Copenhagen.

The press conference underscores the shifting diplomatic landscape ahead of the UN General Assembly, where several European countries have pledged to recognize Palestinian statehood. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates.