JD Vance says US won’t recognize Palestinian State during his UK visit

Vance Rejects Palestinian State Recognition

US Vice President JD Vance on Friday stated that Washington has no intention of recognizing a Palestinian state, underscoring a significant policy divide with the United Kingdom as the two nations continue discussions on the ongoing crisis in Gaza.

While acknowledging differences in approach, Vance emphasized that the U.S. and the UK share a mutual objective of resolving the conflict. His remarks came during a meeting with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy at Chevening, the foreign secretary’s official country residence in southern England.

Speaking alongside Lammy, Vance questioned the feasibility of such recognition, saying it was unclear what it would mean, “given the lack of a functional government there.”

“I’m not sure what such recognition would even mean, given the lack of a functional government there,” he said.

The UK, along with France and Canada, recently announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state to increase pressure on Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu amid the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza.

The visit comes at a time of increased attention to JD Vance’s foreign policy positions, as he assumes a prominent role within President Donald Trump’s administration and is being mentioned as a potential future successor.

Asked about Trump’s recent remark suggesting he could be his heir apparent in 2028, Vance responded that his current priority is “doing a good job” for the American people, adding, “I’m not really focused even on the election in 2026, much less one, two years after that.”