Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly and emphatically stated that there will not be a Palestinian state while he remains in power. Netanyahu made this assertion during recent public appearances and official statements, specifically in response to growing international pressure and moves by various countries toward recognizing Palestinian statehood.
At an event in the West Bank, Netanyahu declared, “We are going to fulfill our promise that there will be no Palestinian state. This place belongs to us,” referencing ongoing settlement expansion efforts in territories regarded by much of the international community as vital to any potential two-state solution. He has argued that recognition of a Palestinian state rewards terrorism and undermines Israel’s security, reaffirming his government’s policy of opposing a Palestinian state “in any territory”.
These remarks come amid increasing international pressure, with many countries and organizations supporting the vision of a two-state solution and recent votes at the UN calling for recognition of Palestine. Nonetheless, Netanyahu’s administration has pressed ahead with settlement expansions that further complicate the prospects of creating a contiguous and viable Palestinian state, maintaining a hardline stance against Palestinian independence.
