JERUSALEM: Israel is not going to be pressured into accepting a Palestinian state, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mentioned on Friday (Feb 16), following a Washington Submit report that Israel’s primary ally the USA was shifting plans to ascertain a Palestinian state.
“Israel categorically rejects worldwide dictates relating to a everlasting settlement with the Palestinians,” mentioned Netanyahu, in an announcement revealed following a name with US President Joe Biden. “Israel will proceed to oppose unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state.”
Netanyahu mentioned statehood can be a “large reward” within the wake of the Oct 7 Hamas-led assault on Israel, which triggered the newest battle in Gaza. He mentioned such an association can solely be reached in direct negotiations between the 2 sides, although no talks have been held since 2014.
The Washington Submit reported on Thursday that the USA was working with some Arab nations, together with Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia – with which Israel has lengthy sought to ascertain diplomatic ties – on a put up battle plan for the area that would come with a agency timeline for the institution of a Palestinian state.
Prime Israeli ministers strongly rejected such a improvement on Thursday, with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who lives in a West Financial institution settlement, saying a Palestinian state would pose “an existential menace” to Israel.
The 2-state resolution, which might create a state for the Palestinians within the occupied West Financial institution and Gaza alongside Israel, has been a core Western coverage within the area.
