Israel Slams Sweden's 'Ikea Diplomacy' over Palestine State Recognition

Israel's foreign minister has accused Sweden of 'Ikea diplomacy' over its decision to recognise the state of Palestine.

Avigdor Lieberman described the move as "unfortunate" claiming Stockholm had a too simplistic approach to the Middle East, which, he said, is more complex than self-assemble furniture produced by the Swedish retail giant.

"It is too bad that the government of Sweden has chosen to adopt the measure that does a lot of damage and has no benefits." Lieberman said, Haaretz newspaper reported.

"Sweden must understand that relations in the Middle East are much more complicated than self-assembly furniture at Ikea."

Sweden took the historic step of officially recognising the state of Palestine earlier today.

"It is an important step that confirms the Palestinians' right to self-determination. We hope that this will show the way for others," foreign minister Margot Wallstrom said.

The Swedish foreign minister tweeted:

The US called the measure that was announced last month by prime minister Stefan Lofven as "premature".

Lofven maintains the Israeli-Palestinian conflict could only be solved through a two-state solution negotiated within the framework of international law.

"A two-state solution requires mutual recognition and a will to peaceful coexistence. Sweden will therefore recognise the state of Palestine," he said.

The statement elicited a heated reaction from Israel which summoned Sweden's ambassador to protest against what it perceived as a unilateral move.

The UN General Assembly recognised Palestine as a non-member observer state in 2012, paving the way to a wider official recognition from European states.