Israel Punishes Spain for Recognizing "Independent Palestine"

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz announced today, Friday, that "the Spanish consulate in Jerusalem will be prevented from providing services to Palestinians," in response to Spain's recognition of an independent Palestinian state. Katz stated in a press release: "Today, I send a strong message to Ireland and Norway that Israel will not remain silent on this matter. I have instructed the return of the Israeli ambassadors in Dublin and Oslo to Israel for further consultations." According to Katz, "the hasty actions of these countries will have severe consequences, and if Spain fulfills its promises to recognize the Palestinian state, steps will be taken against it." Ireland, Spain, and Norway recognized a "sovereign" Palestinian state on Wednesday, a move that several other European countries may also take despite Israeli warnings. Israel has summoned its ambassadors in Ireland and Norway following their movements toward recognizing the state of Palestine.