Japan has decided not to recognize Palestine as a sovereign state at this stage, aligning with the stance of the United States, government sources confirmed. The move reflects Tokyo’s concerns that recognition could strain its ties with Washington and complicate the already volatile Middle East situation.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is also unlikely to attend the upcoming UN-led international conference in New York on September 22, which will focus on advancing the two-state solution. While nearly 150 countries have already recognized Palestine, Japan has held back, citing doubts over whether recognition would contribute to peace or further entrench Israel’s resistance.
The decision follows Washington’s clear opposition to Palestinian statehood recognition. Meanwhile, countries such as France and Britain have recently announced their intent to extend recognition at the UN General Assembly.