In a pressing letter obtained exclusively by Fox News Digital, a coalition of Israel's defense, security, and diplomatic officials has urged President Biden not to recognize a Palestinian state. The letter, dated Feb. 19, warns that such recognition in the aftermath of the October 7th massacre perpetrated by Hamas would be seen as a reward for violence by global terrorist organizations, including Iran and Russia.

The Israel Defense and Security Forum (IDSF), a 20,000-member-strong Israeli grassroots movement led by retired military and security officers, emphasized that recognizing a Palestinian state threatens Israel's security and rewards extremist terror organizations. The letter highlighted the PA's continued support for convicted terrorists through its "Pay to Slay" policy, which provides $370 million annually to terrorists and their families.

Brigadier General (Res.) Amir Avivi, founder and chairman of the IDSF, stressed the importance of the U.S. supporting its ally Israel and promoting peace in the region through alliances with positive forces like Saudi Arabia. Israel's Knesset recently rejected foreign pressures to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state, emphasizing a commitment to bilateral negotiations for a two-state solution over the past 15 years.

The signatories to the letter include international recognized Iran expert Brigadier General (Res.) Yossi Kuperwasser and former Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Danny Ayalon. The experts pointed out the PA's lack of engagement in reforms and refusal to condemn terrorist attacks, such as the Oct. 7 mass murder. The IDSF criticized the PA for financially supporting terrorists and allowing terrorism to persist in the West Bank.

The letter highlighted the need for President Biden to consider the security implications of recognizing a Palestinian state and work towards promoting stability and peace in the region. Israelis expressed concerns over past concessions leading to increased violence and threats to Israel's security. The IDSF called on the U.S. to align its diplomatic efforts with allies in the Middle East to address the root causes of terrorism and promote long-term peace in the region.