Indonesia has said it will conditionally normalize relations with Israel. The country has said it is willing to recognize Israel and establish diplomatic relations if Tel Aviv recognizes an independent Palestinian state.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto discussed the possibility of normalizing relations with Israel on condition during a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, who is visiting Jakarta on Wednesday (May 28). He added that he hopes France will continue to support the decision to recognize Palestine as an independent state.
At a press conference, Subianto said, The two-state solution and the independence of Palestine are the only way to achieve real peace. We must recognize and guarantee Israel's rights as a sovereign state, which must be respected and protected.
Like most Muslim countries, Indonesia has no formal relations with Israel. Indonesia has made it clear that Indonesia is ready to recognize Israel if Israel recognizes Palestine, Subianto said.
Indonesia has always avoided open diplomatic relations with the state of Israel. The government of previous President Joko Widodo maintained limited contact with Israel, but that was mainly in the field of trade.
Indonesia has been seen taking tough action against Israel in the wake of the Israeli military offensive in Gaza. Early last year, the government of the world's largest Muslim country filed a lawsuit against Israel at the International Criminal Court.
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