Finland breaks from Western trend, delays recognition of 'Palestine' amid Israeli defense ties

Although the majority of Finland's lawmakers support the establishment of a Palestinian state, the government has announced it will not be recognizing a state of “Palestine” at this time.

“The government is not currently preparing to recognize Palestine,” said Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo on Saturday. He said, however, that his party is committed to a two-state solution and that “when the logical time will come,” Finland’s support will include recognition of Palestinian statehood. 

“Recognition can only be made once, so it must be considered carefully,” the prime minister added, calling the situation in Gaza “devastating” and urging Israel to reconsider its plan to take control of Gaza City.

Finland’s four-party alliance government faced internal disagreement over the decision, with two parties – the Perussuomalaiset (Finns Party) and Suomen Kristillisdemokraati (Christian Democratic Party-CD) – strongly against such recognition and the other two in favor. 

Additionally, Finland's president, Alexander Stubb, who has limited powers, recently expressed his willingness to recognize “Palestine,” even if the government were to propose it. 

“The decisions by France, the United Kingdom and Canada reinforce the trend towards recognizing Palestine as part of efforts to breathe new life into the peace process,” Stubb posted on 𝕏, adding, “If I receive a proposal to recognize the Palestinian state, I am prepared to approve it.”

Finland’s stance runs counter to this trend, as several Western nations have recently announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state at the 80th UN General Assembly next month. Most recently, Canada joined France and the United Kingdom in declaring their intention to extend such recognition.

Finland’s reluctance to recognize a Palestinian state may stem not only from internal government disagreement but also from security considerations tied to Israel. Since early 2022, Finland has sought to purchase Israeli air defense systems in response to the heightened threat from neighboring Russia.

In April 2023, Finland announced – just one day after joining NATO – that it would buy Israel's David’s Sling anti-missile system to boost its overall defense capabilities against Russia.

“The David’s Sling system will extend the operational range of Finland’s ground-based air defense capabilities significantly,” the official Finnish statement said at the time. David’s Sling is an aerial defense system designed to intercept medium and long-range rockets and missiles fired anywhere from 25 to 190 miles. 

“This acquisition will create a new capability for the Finnish Defense Forces to intercept targets at high altitude,” said Finland’s Defense Minister Antti Kaikkonen. “At the same time, we are continuing the ambitious and long-term development of Finland’s defense capability in a new security environment.”

In November 2023, Finland and Israel finalized and signed the contract for the sale, valued at approximately €317 million ($369 million). According to Finland Daily, “Finnish industry, together with [Israel’s] Rafael and [US’s] Raytheon, will participate in the integration of the system and in the planning and equipping of the command and control elements.”