In a historic first, several major Western states are now formally recognizing a Palestinian state at what Dr. Julie Norman describes as a "crucial moment," one in which symbolism and strategy are increasingly intertwined. An Associate Professor of Politics and International Relations at University College London (UCL), Dr. Norman argues that this move marks a seismic shift in international alignment on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict and signals a growing divergence between the US and Israel and their closest allies. As Israel and the US face mounting international pressure and isolation, the question is no longer whether recognition is possible, but what it now represents for the future of the peace process and the stability of the broader region.
