Key Points:
- US urges nations to skip UN conference on two-state solution
- Conference co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia
- US opposes unilateral recognition of Palestinian state
- Warning of diplomatic consequences for “anti-Israel” actions
- France hints at recognizing Palestinian state at event
- US cites Gaza war and hostage crisis context
- Conference seen as undermining ceasefire and negotiations
- Israel strongly opposes the conference and recognition moves
- US calls conference counterproductive amid Gaza conflict
- Growing tensions in international diplomacy on Israel-Palestine
The United States government, under President Donald Trump’s administration, has issued a strong warning to countries worldwide, urging them not to attend an upcoming United Nations conference focused on the Israel-Palestinian two-state solution. The conference, scheduled for mid-June 2025 in New York, is co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia and aims to discuss a potential roadmap toward Palestinian statehood alongside Israel. However, the US views the event as counterproductive to ongoing diplomatic efforts amid the ongoing Gaza conflict and hostage crisis.
US Diplomatic Cable Urges Countries to Boycott Conference
On June 10, 2025, a diplomatic cable from the US State Department was circulated, explicitly discouraging governments from participating in the UN conference. The cable warned that countries engaging in “anti-Israel actions” following the conference would be seen as opposing US foreign policy interests and could face diplomatic repercussions from Washington.
The cable also emphasized that the United States firmly opposes any unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, describing such moves as legally and politically problematic. The US administration believes that unilateral recognition would add significant obstacles to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and could coerce Israel during an ongoing war, thereby indirectly supporting its enemies.
France and Saudi Arabia Co-Host Conference Amid US Opposition
The UN conference, set to take place from June 17 to 20, 2025, is co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, both of which have signaled a more proactive stance on the Israel-Palestinian issue. French President Emmanuel Macron has publicly suggested that France might take steps toward recognizing a Palestinian state during the conference, a move that would mark a significant shift in European diplomacy.
French officials have reportedly been trying to avoid a direct confrontation with the US, Israel’s closest ally, but the US warning cable underscores the deep divisions among Western allies regarding how to approach the conflict. Saudi Arabia’s involvement highlights the growing regional interest in addressing the Palestinian issue, despite US reservations.
US Cites Gaza War and Hostage Crisis as Reasons for Opposition
The US government’s opposition to the conference is closely tied to the ongoing Gaza war and the hostage situation triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. The cable explicitly states that recognizing a Palestinian state unilaterally would effectively turn October 7 into a symbolic Palestinian Independence Day, which Washington sees as rewarding Hamas militants responsible for the attack.
Since the Hamas offensive, Israel has launched an extensive air and ground campaign in Gaza, resulting in heavy Palestinian casualties and widespread destruction. The US has been working with Egypt and Qatar to negotiate a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages, efforts it believes the conference could undermine by emboldening Hamas.
Israel’s Strong Opposition and Diplomatic Pressure
Israel has vocally opposed the UN conference, viewing it as a reward to Hamas and a threat to its security. Israeli officials have lobbied France and other countries against recognizing a Palestinian state, arguing that such recognition would legitimize terrorism and weaken Israel’s negotiating position.
The Israeli government also views the conference as an attempt to impose a solution that bypasses bilateral negotiations, which Israel insists are the only viable path to peace. Israel’s concerns reflect the broader geopolitical complexities surrounding the conflict and the challenge of balancing security with diplomatic initiatives.
Potential Diplomatic Fallout and Reactions
The US warning cable signals a potential diplomatic fallout for countries that choose to participate in the conference or take actions perceived as hostile to Israel. The message implies that such countries could face consequences in their bilateral relations with the United States, including possible sanctions or reduced cooperation.
European diplomats have expressed frustration with the US stance, describing it as “bullying” and counterproductive. Some see the US position as an attempt to stifle international efforts to revive the two-state solution, which has long been a cornerstone of US Middle East policy, albeit with shifting emphasis under the Trump administration.
Historical US Position on Two-State Solution and Current Ambiguity
For decades, the United States officially supported a two-state solution that would establish a Palestinian state alongside Israel. However, President Trump’s first term saw a more ambiguous approach, with less emphasis on Palestinian statehood and more focus on Israel’s security concerns.
In his second term, Trump’s administration has not clearly articulated a policy on the two-state solution, and recent statements by US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee suggest that the US may no longer see an independent Palestinian state as a realistic or desirable goal.
Conference’s Broader Impact on Middle East Diplomacy
The UN conference reflects a growing urgency among international actors, especially France and Saudi Arabia, to address the deteriorating situation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Macron’s willingness to consider recognizing Palestine signals a shift in European policy, driven by the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and escalating violence in the West Bank.
The conference aims to lay out parameters for a peaceful resolution, but US opposition and Israel’s resistance highlight the deep divisions that complicate diplomatic efforts. The event could either catalyze renewed negotiations or deepen rifts among key stakeholders.
Background: The Gaza Conflict and International Responses
Since the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, the region has been engulfed in a brutal conflict with severe humanitarian consequences. Israeli military operations in Gaza have resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread displacement, leading to international calls for ceasefire and humanitarian aid.
The US, along with Egypt and Qatar, has been actively involved in mediation efforts to end hostilities and secure hostage releases. The UN conference is part of broader international attempts to find a lasting solution, but the US sees it as potentially undermining these delicate negotiations.
The United States’ warning against attending the upcoming UN conference on the Israel-Palestinian two-state solution underscores the deep geopolitical divides shaping the conflict’s future. While France and Saudi Arabia push for renewed diplomatic engagement and possible recognition of a Palestinian state, the US remains firmly opposed to unilateral moves that it believes could exacerbate tensions and undermine ongoing ceasefire efforts.
This diplomatic rift highlights the complexity of achieving peace in the region, where security concerns, humanitarian crises, and competing international agendas intersect. The coming weeks will reveal whether the conference can bridge these divides or deepen the existing fractures in Middle East diplomacy.