New Delhi: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly rejected recent international moves to recognise a Palestinian state, declaring that no such state will ever be allowed to form west of the Jordan River. His remarks came after the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Portugal announced formal recognition of Palestine as a State. The diplomatic shift comes amid ongoing concerns over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, increasing international criticism of Israeli settlement policies in the West Bank, and renewed calls to revive the two-state solution.
“There will be no Palestinian state,” Netanyahu said in a recorded statement. “The response to the latest attempt to force upon us a terror state in the heart of our land will be given after my return from the United States.” He directly addressed the nations that have recently recognized Palestinian statehood, saying, “You are rewarding terror with an enormous prize. And I have another message for you: It’s not going to happen. There will be no Palestinian state to the west of the Jordan River.” Netanyahu framed the move as a dangerous precedent in the wake of the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas on southern Israel.
He argued that recognizing Palestinian statehood at this time only serves to legitimize terrorism and undermine Israeli security. “For years I have prevented the creation of that terror state, against tremendous pressure, both domestic and from abroad,” he continued. “We have done this with determination and with astute statesmanship. Moreover, we have doubled the Jewish settlement in Judea and Samaria, and we will continue this path.” The Palestinian leadership, on the other hand, welcomed the recognitions.
Officials stated that these decisions move Palestine closer to full sovereignty and are a significant step toward establishing an independent state. Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki said the recognition reinforces the rights of the Palestinian people and aligns with international law. The Governments recognizing Palestine have emphasised that their decision is not about supporting Hamas, but about upholding the long-stalled two-state solution and the rights of Palestinians to self-determination. In their view, continued settlement expansion and the failure of negotiations have made unilateral recognition a necessary step.
Israel has long maintained that any Palestinian State must be the result of direct negotiations and must ensure Israel’s security. Netanyahu’s Government has strongly opposed any moves seen as unilateral recognition or attempts to bypass Israel in the process. The United States, Israel’s closest ally, has not recognized Palestine as a state but has reiterated support for a negotiated two-state solution. It remains unclear how the Biden administration will respond to both the new wave of recognitions and Netanyahu’s rejection.
Netanyahu’s return from the United States is expected to mark a turning point, as he has promised an official Israeli response to the recognitions. Observers expect potential diplomatic countermeasures or changes in settlement policy. Meanwhile, tensions are likely to escalate further in both diplomatic and regional arenas. The developments highlight a deepening divide between Israel and parts of the international community. While some countries push for renewed recognition of Palestinian statehood as a path toward peace, Israel under Netanyahu appears more resolute than ever in its opposition to such a move.
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