The Hebrew newspaper "Maariv" reported today, Friday, that Israel fears an American recognition of a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

The Hebrew newspaper mentioned, in a report, that "political sources in Israel express concern over the intensive activity of the American administration to promote the idea of establishing a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip under a unified government based on what is known as a renewed Palestinian Authority," according to Anadolu News Agency.

*American recognition of a Palestinian state
The newspaper added that "according to American officials, the State Department is considering recognizing a Palestinian state as part of a comprehensive political initiative related to the day after Hamas’ rule in the Gaza Strip," describing such a step – if it happens – as a "political tsunami."

It also pointed to "the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken recently ordering his staff to prepare an organized work plan for the possibility of American or international recognition of a Palestinian state unilaterally and not through negotiations with Israel or with Israeli approval."

"Maariv" explained that "this issue was raised during the talks that Blinken held with Israeli officials during his visit to Israel in the past two days."

It continued: "Against the backdrop of information coming from the American administration and European partner countries also involved in the step, senior officials in Israel express their concern about what they describe as the Biden administration’s infatuation with the idea of establishing a Palestinian state and recognizing it unilaterally as a means of pressuring Israel."

*Test balloons and Palestinian reform
The newspaper quoted unnamed Israeli political sources saying that "this issue has recently occupied a place in the Middle East political agenda promoted by Americans and Europeans," noting that the matter "is no longer about exploding test balloons or a theoretical idea, but the idea of recognizing a Palestinian state is gaining momentum and being promoted on the ground."

It continued: "It is no coincidence that a series of Western leaders recently announced their support for the establishment of a Palestinian state, including leaders considered right-wing and the most supportive of Israel, such as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni."

The Hebrew newspaper quoted an unnamed Israeli official as saying that "the Americans continue to promote the idea of the renewed Palestinian Authority, and at the same time, the current authority in Ramallah is about to introduce reforms, which aligns with the United States' demand to prove that it has indeed become a body that meets the definition of the renewed authority."

The official added: "The Palestinian reform includes changes within the government, changing the nature of the security agencies' management, and there is talk of a new technocratic government."