Indonesia, the largest Muslim-majority nation in the world, has expressed a willingness to recognize and establish diplomatic relations with Israel contingent upon the acknowledgment of an independent Palestinian state by Israel. President Prabowo Subianto voiced this stance during a recent meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Jakarta.
President Prabowo emphasized the importance of ensuring Israel’s security while also highlighting France’s commitment to supporting the establishment of a Palestinian state. Currently, Indonesia does not maintain diplomatic ties with Israel.
Macron reiterated his support for a two-state solution as a pathway to resolving the ongoing Israel-Palestinian conflict, asserting that there are no inconsistencies in France’s policy towards the region. He expressed intentions to recognize a Palestinian state, a step that some diplomats believe could aggravate tensions with Israel and highlight divisions among Western nations.
In addition, Macron announced plans, in collaboration with Saudi Arabia, to host a conference in New York focused on Gaza, aiming to revitalize efforts towards recognizing both a Palestinian state and Israel’s right to coexist peacefully in the region.
This dialogue reflects a potential shift in international relations surrounding the Israel-Palestine issue, offering a glimpse of hope for progress towards peace in a historically contentious conflict. The cooperation between Indonesia and France could enhance collective efforts in this regard, fostering a more united approach to achieving stability in the Middle East.