Israel’s Growing Isolation And The New Global Landscape

It is a significant development that following the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, now Portugal has also formally recognized Palestine as a state — and all of this has occurred just ahead of the United Nations General Assembly session. This decision could have serious implications for the region, particularly for the positions of Israel and the United States.
After the UK, Canada, and Australia, Portugal has officially announced its recognition of Palestine as a state, stating that Israel has failed to fulfill key conditions, including agreeing to a ceasefire.
According to a Reuters report, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer posted on social media platform X, saying:
The UK has recognized the State of Palestine, rekindling hope for peace for both Palestinians and Israelis.”
The report adds that the UK’s move aligns it with over 140 countries that have already recognized Palestine, but it is likely to provoke displeasure from Israel and its key ally, the United States.
Canada and Australia have also recognized Palestine, and more recognition is expected during the UN General Assembly session in New York.
It is worth noting that earlier this year in July; the UK issued an ultimatum to Israel, stating that if the dire situation in Gaza did not improve, it would proceed to recognize Palestine as a state.
At the time, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that if Israel failed to:

Agree to a ceasefire with Hamas, allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, and stop settlement expansion in the West Bank, and take meaningful steps toward a peace process and a two-state solution,
Then the UK would formally recognize Palestine. The head of the Palestinian mission in London, Husam Zomlot, responded to the UK’s decision by saying that:
This long-awaited step was not only necessary for Palestine but also for Britain to fulfill its own responsibilities. “He added that this was a step toward **justice, peace, and correcting historical wrongs.
Speaking to journalists in New York, Portugal’s Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel called the recognition of Palestine a core and consistent element of Portugal’s foreign policy.
He stated that: “A two-state solution is the only path to sustainable and lasting peace in the region. “He acknowledged that recognition alone would not resolve the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and emphasized that: “An immediate ceasefire in Gaza is essential.”
Meanwhile, Israel has traditionally opposed recognizing Palestine as an independent state, especially unilateral recognitions made outside of negotiations.
The recognition of Palestine by Portugal and other Western nations could prove to be a diplomatic setback for Israel.
Israel might apply diplomatic pressure on these countries, summon their ambassadors, or issue strong official statements. In some cases, Israel may choose to downgrade diplomatic ties or allow trade agreements to be affected.
Israel will likely work with the United States and other allies to prevent further international support for Palestine, especially in forums like the UN General Assembly.

What could be the U.S. strategy in this scenario? Since the U.S. is Israel’s primary ally, it is unlikely to recognize Palestine anytime soon. However:
It may avoid directly condemning countries that do. The U.S. will likely reiterate support for a two-state solution, but emphasize that it must be achieved through negotiations, not unilateral actions. Despite these changes, the U.S. will continue to provide diplomatic and defensive support to Israel at the UN and other international forums.
As of now, 146 countries have recognized Palestine as a state. The growing number of recognitions reflects a shifting global narrative, putting increasing pressure on Israel to take the Palestinian issue seriously.
If a major pro-Palestinian resolution is passed in the UN General Assembly, the U.S. may find itself forced to make tough diplomatic decisions, especially as it appears to become increasingly isolated on the global stage.