TOKYO (Realist English). Japan will not recognize a Palestinian state for now, likely in deference to the United States and to avoid provoking Israel, the Asahi Shimbun reported Wednesday, citing government sources.
Several governments — including Britain, France, Canada and Australia — have signaled their intent to endorse Palestinian statehood at the UN General Assembly this month, adding to the diplomatic pressure on Israel over its war in Gaza.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is expected to skip a September 22 meeting in New York on advancing a two-state solution, Asahi said. Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya told reporters Tuesday that Tokyo was still conducting a “comprehensive assessment” of the timing and modalities of recognition.
According to Kyodo News, Washington has urged Tokyo through multiple channels not to move forward, while French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot pressed Japan to join Paris in recognizing Palestinian statehood.
Japan’s stance comes despite its support for a recent UN resolution backed by 142 nations, which called for “tangible, timebound, and irreversible steps” toward a two-state solution. Within the G7, Germany and Italy have described immediate recognition of Palestine as counterproductive.
The diplomatic balancing act highlights the competing pressures facing Tokyo: loyalty to Washington, sensitivity to Israeli concerns, and growing calls from European allies to take a clearer position on Palestinian statehood.
