Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Opposes Palestinian State Establishment Following Conflict in Gaza
18 January 2024
In a news conference on Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated his opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state once the conflict in Gaza comes to an end. He vowed to continue the offensive in Gaza until complete victory, which includes the destruction of Hamas and the return of remaining Israeli hostages, a process he believes could take “many more months.”
The Israeli offensive in Gaza has resulted in almost 25,000 Palestinians killed and 85% of the Strip’s population displaced, leading to international pressure for Israel to engage in meaningful talks for a permanent end to the war.
Despite these calls, Netanyahu’s opposition to a Palestinian state remains firm. The US and Israel have differing views on the matter, with Israel’s allies and many of its foes urging a revival of the two-state solution as the only viable alternative to endless cycles of violence. However, Netanyahu’s latest remarks make it clear that his intention is quite the opposite.
Earlier on Thursday, Netanyahu also stated that Israel must have security control over all land west of the River Jordan, contradicting the idea of Palestinian sovereignty. This conflict with the US’s diplomatic push for a two-state solution highlights the widening gap between Israel and its Western allies.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza, which escalated following the October attacks when Hamas gunmen killed about 1,300 Israelis and took some 240 hostage, has led to increased tension between Israel and the US. While the US initially supported Israel’s right to defend itself, the mounting death toll in Gaza has prompted Western governments to call for Israeli restraint.
The White House has repeatedly attempted to influence Israel’s military policy, urging precision-guided weapons rather than blanket air strikes, discouraging a ground offensive, and advocating for a two-state solution with a role for the Palestinian Authority in post-conflict Gaza. However, Washington’s advice has often been met with rejection, leading to frustration in some American circles over the apparent blanket support for Israel by the Biden administration.
Netanyahu’s opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state has pleased his support base, but it has dismayed many at home and abroad who are increasingly horrified by the human cost of the war.
Historically, Netanyahu has spent much of his political career opposing Palestinian statehood, and he has publicly stated that he is proud to have prevented its establishment. This latest public rebuttal of Washington’s diplomatic push and determination to stay the current military course showcase the escalating tensions between Israel and its Western allies.
The conflict in Gaza continues to be a contentious and complex issue, evoking strong emotions and deep-rooted historical and political implications. The high human cost of the war has led to calls for a peaceful and sustainable resolution to the longstanding conflict between Israel and Palestine.
Read More Breaking News
