JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has flatly ruled out the creation of a Palestinian state, despite growing international recognition of Palestinian statehood.
Speaking in response to countries including Britain, Canada and Australia recognising a Palestinian state, Mr. Netanyahu said at an address on Sunday that “there will be no Palestinian state west of the Jordan.”
He described the recent recognitions as a “reward to terrorism,” referring to the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel.
The remarks came ahead of a summit in New York, convened by France and Saudi Arabia, where more countries are expected to formally recognise Palestinian statehood.
Netanyahu’s stance deepens already sharp divergences in international diplomacy. For many nations, formal recognition is both symbolic and political — a way of affirming Palestinian aspirations for sovereignty.
On the other side, Israel argues that recognition does not change facts on the ground. Critics warn these gestures may inflame tensions without delivering real protections or peace. Netanyahu indicates that Israel may respond with diplomatic or territorial measures following this wave of recognitions.
Analysts say the gap between symbolic recognition and practical implementation is wide. While many governments view recognition as a first step, Israel’s refusal to accept statehood — even with promises of non-violence — adds a hard line to already fragile discussions of peace.
As the United Nations General Assembly gathers, the question now is whether more countries will side with the recognition movement — and how Israel will respond in substance, not just rhetoric.
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