Netanyahu Declares Palestinian Statehood Unlikely Amid New Recognitions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that a Palestinian state will not be established, responding to recent international recognitions of Palestine. In a video statement delivered on October 22, 2023, he emphasized that nations acknowledging Palestinian statehood are effectively rewarding terrorism.

Netanyahu’s comments follow a series of declarations from several countries, including Canada, Australia, and Portugal, which officially recognized Palestine. He conveyed a strong message to global leaders, asserting, “You are giving a huge reward to terrorism” in light of the tragic events of October 7, a day marked by significant violence in Israel.

He indicated that Israel’s response to these new recognitions will come after his return from the United States next week. Netanyahu assured that the establishment of a Palestinian state would not occur west of the Jordan River, reaffirming his government’s commitment to expanding Jewish settlements in the areas Israel refers to as Judea and Samaria, which is internationally recognized as the occupied West Bank.

According to the Times of Israel, Netanyahu highlighted that under his leadership, the number of Jewish settlements in these territories has doubled. He vowed to continue along this path, demonstrating a steadfast approach to Israel’s territorial policy amid ongoing tensions with the Palestinians.

Currently, approximately 75 percent of the 193 United Nations member states recognize Palestine, though it lacks internationally agreed borders, a capital, or a military. Since November 2012, Palestine has held the status of a non-member observer state in the UN General Assembly, a designation that reflects its complex and often contentious position in international relations.

These developments underscore the ongoing conflict in the region and the challenges surrounding the quest for peace. As global leaders navigate their diplomatic stances, the implications of Netanyahu’s remarks will likely resonate in future discussions regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The international community remains watchful as the situation evolves, particularly in light of recent recognitions and the Israeli government’s firm assertions against the establishment of a Palestinian state.