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France, the United Kingdom, and Canada have each announced they plan to recognize a Palestinian state this September at the United Nations General Assembly.

The move has been harshly criticized by Israeli and U.S. officials, who argue it rewards Hamas and risks further undermining hostage negotiations. 

Host Aviva Klompas is joined by Dr. Michael Oren—former Israeli Ambassador to the U.S., historian, and veteran strategic analyst—to discuss the implications. They examine whether recognition is symbolic or substantive, the domestic and diplomatic motivations behind it, whether other countries are poised to follow, and how Israel should respond in strategy and rhetoric. 

They also reflect on what this moment reveals about the ideological divide between liberal democracies and rising Islamist influence across Europe and the Middle East.

New Words from Dr. Oren: 

Solipsism - the quality of being very self-centered or selfish