Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has firmly rejected the recognition of a Palestinian state by the governments of Britain, Australia, and Canada, describing it as a reward for terrorism and vowing it will never materialize.
In a strongly worded statement released Sunday, Netanyahu declared:
“I have a clear message for those leaders who recognised a Palestinian state after the horrific October 7 massacre: you are granting a huge reward to terror.”
“And I have another message for you, it will not happen. No Palestinian state will be established west of the Jordan River.”
His remarks come in direct response to the formal recognition of Palestinian statehood by the three Western nations earlier in the day, a move that marks a significant shift in global diplomatic support for Palestinian aspirations.
Netanyahu also used the opportunity to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to expanding Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, which he referred to by its Biblical name, “Judea and Samaria.”
“We have doubled Jewish settlements in Judea and Samaria, and we will continue on this path,” he said, adding that resisting pressure to allow a Palestinian state had been one of his government’s consistent priorities.
The declaration by the UK, Australia, and Canada has deepened the rift between Israel and some of its traditional allies, coming amid ongoing international criticism of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, which have led to significant civilian casualties and humanitarian concerns.
While Palestinian leaders have hailed the recognitions as a long-overdue acknowledgment of their right to self-determination, Netanyahu insists the creation of a Palestinian state poses a direct threat to Israel’s existence.
“For years, I have prevented the creation of this terror state, despite enormous domestic and international pressure. We have done so with determination and political wisdom,” he said.
