Recognizing a Palestinian state, especially at this point, after and as a result of the 7th of October heinous terror attack, will be counterproductive to the effort of ensuring peace and stability in the Middle East. It will, among other things:

• Incentivize terrorism against Israelis and Jews and endanger Israel’s security by proving its valuable outcome

• Legitimize the notion of a Hamas regime in Gaza or following a democratic election

• Reinforce a misunderstanding of the conflict by framing the 1967 as the core issue

• Disincentivize necessary reforms in the Palestinian Authority– recognizing a Palestinian state without requiring the many necessary reforms in Palestinian society and governance will undermine reforms in Palestinian society and make peace even less achievable.

• Offer no tangible achievement on the ground for Palestinians, since Israel will not make territorial or demographic concessions following a mere recognition. This will further frustrate and radicalize the Palestinians and expose the futility of the recognition in a fictitious and imaginary radical state.

• Send the wrong message to Russia, China, Iran, and extremist actors in the Middle East

• The only workable arrangement at this point must be a strong and secure Israel gradually coordinating with local Palestinian partners with international backing