Netanyahu Reiterates Opposition to Palestinian State Amid U.S. Draft Proposal Concerns
Amidst a backdrop of international diplomacy, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly restated his longstanding opposition to the creation of a Palestinian state. This declaration comes as internal criticism is mounting over reports suggesting that a U.S. draft for a United Nations resolution on Gaza includes provisions for a Palestinian state.
“Our opposition to a Palestinian state in any territory west of the Jordan [River], this opposition is existing, valid, and has not changed one bit,” Netanyahu declared at the beginning of a recent government meeting.
Netanyahu emphasized his enduring resistance to external and internal pressures advocating for a Palestinian state, noting, “I have been rebuffing these attempts for decades, and I am doing it both against pressures from outside and against pressures from within.”
The Trump administration is actively preparing a Security Council resolution draft intended to chart a path forward in the Gaza region.
According to reports by Ynet News, Israel is making efforts to influence modifications to the American draft behind closed doors.
Israeli media outlets have highlighted significant disagreements between Israel and the United States, particularly concerning the progress to the ceasefire’s next phase without Hamas having disarmed or released all hostages.
In discussions with his cabinet, Netanyahu expressed concerns over the wording of the U.S. draft, especially on issues like the demilitarization of Gaza and the potential role of an international stabilization force (ISF), which is poised for a vote.
Netanyahu insisted that there would be “no such thing” as a non-demilitarized Gaza under Hamas control, emphasizing, “Even in the 20-point plan, and in everything else, this territory will be demilitarized, and Hamas will be disarmed.”
Reports from Israel’s Channel 13 suggest that the U.S. may consider abandoning the requirement for demilitarization to focus on rebuilding Gaza.
The U.S. draft reportedly includes language aimed at establishing a dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians, aspiring to achieve “a political horizon for prosperous coexistence.”
The U.S.-led Peace Board is expected to manage Gaza’s administration until the Palestinian Authority completes reforms, potentially paving the way for Palestinian self-determination and statehood.
This development has provoked “sharp” criticism from several ministers, as reported by Ynet News.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized Netanyahu’s “silence,” urging a decisive response to clarify that “a Palestinian state will never be established on the territory of our homeland.”
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir stated that his party would not support any government agreeing to a Palestinian state, while Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar warned against the establishment of a “Palestinian terror state.”
Defense Minister Israel Katz reinforced the stance that “Israel’s policy is clear: There will be no Palestinian state.”
This article was originally published by All Israel News.
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