Netanyahu seeks govt. declaration against Palestinian state

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced at the beginning of the cabinet meeting today (Sunday), “In light of the recent talk in the international community about an attempt to unilaterally impose a Palestinian state on Israel, I am bringing a declarative decision on this issue for the government’s approval today. I am sure that it will receive very broad approval.”

The full statement reads: “Israel outright rejects international dictates regarding a permanent settlement with the Palestinians. Such a settlement will only be achieved through direct negotiations between the parties, without preconditions. Israel will continue to oppose unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state. Such recognition, following the massacre of October 7, will grant a huge reward to terrorism, a reward unlike any other, and will prevent any future peace settlement.”

Earlier, Israel Hayom reported that Prime Minister Netanyahu is considering effectively agreeing with the US’ intention to recognize a Palestinian state in exchange for a historic achievement in negotiations with Saudi Arabia.

According to the unconfirmed report, the compromise under discussion would include the USA unilaterally recognizing a Palestinian state, and Israel opposing it and clarifying that a permanent arrangement for a state of Palestine will be reached only through direct negotiations between the parties. Agreeing to this process is intended to bring breakthroughs in negotiations with Saudi Arabia.

The Biden administration, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, and European Union Foreign Policy chief Josep Borrell have all signaled their support for a quick declaration of a Palestinian state in the aftermath of the current war.