On Thursday, Israel rebuked the ambassadors of Ireland, Spain and Norway against the backdrop of their governments announcing yesterday a decision to recognize the State of Palestine.

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement: “Under the direction of Foreign Minister Israel Katz, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yaakov Blitstein, today held a rebuking conversation with the ambassadors of Ireland, Spain, and Norway after their governments recognized the Palestinian state.”

The session was held at the headquarters of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs in West Jerusalem.

The Foreign Ministry quoted Blichstein as telling the ambassadors: “The twisted decision of your governments is a reward for Hamas - Hamas congratulates you on it. This decision will have other serious consequences on our relations with your countries,” as he put it.

He added: "Recognition by your governments does not promote peace, gives Hamas a boost, and makes it more difficult to reach a deal to release the hostages."

He continued: "There will be additional serious consequences on relations with your countries after the decision you took," without clarifying what those consequences were.

Israel strongly protested the decision of Ireland, Spain and Norway yesterday, Wednesday, to recognize the Palestinian state, and as a result of the decision it summoned its ambassadors to the three countries for consultation.

On Wednesday, Norway, Ireland, and Spain officially announced their recognition of the State of Palestine, effective May 28.

Before this development, eight member countries of the European Union recognized the State of Palestine: Bulgaria, Poland, Czechia, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, the Greek Cyprus Administration, and Sweden.