Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has unanimously approved a statement declaring its rejection of any foreign attempts to impose a Palestinian state.
Netanyahu made this announcement during a cabinet meeting on Sunday, citing recent international discussions about the possibility of imposing a Palestinian state on Israel. He emphasized that Israel will only consider a permanent settlement with the Palestinians through direct negotiations without any preconditions.
The statement further asserted Israel’s opposition to unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, especially in the aftermath of recent conflicts, which Netanyahu referred to as the “October 7 massacre.”
This stance aligns with Netanyahu’s recent conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during which he expressed his opposition to any form of recognition that could be perceived as rewarding terrorism.
While the U.S. government has advocated for a two-state solution as a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Netanyahu’s government remains skeptical. They argue that past attempts at negotiation have been unsuccessful due to fundamental issues, including Palestinian unwillingness to accept a Jewish state and concerns about the potential for a Palestinian state to become a haven for terrorism.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman echoed these sentiments, highlighting the historical and religious significance of certain territories and expressing doubts about the feasibility and advisability of a two-state solution.
In summary, Israel’s government under Netanyahu is firm in its rejection of external pressure to accept a Palestinian state, emphasizing the importance of direct negotiations and expressing skepticism about the viability of a two-state solution.
