Netanyahu Openly Rejects US Push For Palestinian State

Posted by: Eninu William in world news January 19, 2024

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he has told the United States that he opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state once the conflict in Gaza comes to an end.

In a news conference, a defiant Mr Netanyahu vowed to press on with the offensive in Gaza “until complete victory”.

Almost 25,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, and 85% of the strip’s population have been displaced. Israel is under intense pressure to rein in its offensive and engage in meaningful talks over a sustainable end to the war.

Israel’s allies, including the US – and many of its foes – have urged a revival of the long-dormant “two-state solution”. This is where a future Palestinian state would sit side-by-side with an Israeli one.

The hope in many circles is that the current crisis could force the warring parties back to diplomacy. This is the only viable alternative to endless cycles of violence. However, from Mr Netanyahu’s comments, his intention appears quite the opposite.

During Thursday’s news conference, he said Israel must have security control over all land west of the River Jordan. This would include the territory of any future Palestinian state.

“This is a necessary condition, and it conflicts with the idea of (Palestinian) sovereignty. What to do? I tell this truth to our American friends, and I also stopped the attempt to impose a reality on us that would harm Israel’s security,” he said.

Mr Netanyahu has spent much of his political career opposing Palestinian statehood. He boasted just last month that he was proud to have prevented its establishment. His latest remarks, therefore, come as no surprise.

Since the 7 October attacks – the worst in Israel’s history, the US has supported Israel’s right to defend itself. However, as the death toll in Gaza has grown, and the scenes of horror there have abounded.

Western governments have called for Israeli restraint. The White House has repeatedly tried to influence Israel’s military policy. It has urged more precision-guided weapons rather than blanket air strikes. It discouraged a ground offensive and also called for a two-state solution.

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