Recognition of Palestinian state is ‘reward to terrorists’ – Netanyahu — RT World News

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel will continue to oppose international recognition of a Palestinian state, warning that this could prevent a settlement of the conflict in Gaza.

Netanyahu was responding to a report published by the Washington Post on Wednesday, citing diplomatic sources as saying that the United States and several Arab countries are discussing a plan for long-term peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

The proposal reportedly includes a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas “A firm timetable for the establishment of a Palestinian state could be announced in the next few weeks.” The paper said.

The Israeli leader took to the X website (formerly Twitter) early Friday to clarify his position on what he described “Talk about imposing a Palestinian state on Israel.”

He added that Israel will continue to oppose unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state. Written in Hebrew.

Following the Hamas incursion into Israel on October 7, in which approximately 1,200 people were killed and approximately 240 hostages were taken, international support for the establishment of a Palestinian state increased. “It would give a huge reward to unprecedented terrorism and prevent any future peace settlement.” Netanyahu insisted.

“Israel categorically rejects international dictates regarding the permanent settlement with the Palestinians.” Confirm.

A peace agreement can only be reached in Gaza “Through direct negotiations between the two parties, without preconditions.” The Prime Minister added.

The newspaper said in its report that there is “Fears that the imminent Israeli attack on Rafah will exacerbate the Gaza crisis and bury the hostage deal and long-term peace efforts.” The city, located on the southern border of the Strip with Egypt, has become the last refuge for more than a million Palestinians who were displaced due to Israeli army attacks.

Netanyahu said on Wednesday that Israel would do so “The struggle until complete victory, and this includes strong action in Rafah as well, after we allow the civilian population to leave the combat zones.”

Relations between the United States and Israel have reached a stage “boiling point” The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this week that Israel criticizes the recent government's insistence on continuing its campaign in Gaza. American officials told the newspaper that Washington informed the Israelis that it would not support the attack on Rafah “Under no circumstances.”

According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, 28,663 people have been killed and 68,395 others injured in Israeli air strikes and ground operations in the Palestinian enclave since October 7.