European officials have indicated that some countries may respond to Israel’s unilateral annexation of parts of the West Bank by recognizing a Palestinian state and imposing sanctions on Israel. Among them is Ireland, according to Palestinian officials. A committee in the House of Representatives of the Belgian parliament passed a draft resolution calling on the government to recognize a Palestinian state. During meetings with Israeli leaders, it was reported that German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said that while Germany would not likely take punitive measures against Israel if it annexed, other countries may impose sanctions or recognize a Palestinian state. To check the news click here