Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his stance against the creation of a Palestinian state, warning that it would be a catastrophic outcome for Israel's security. In a cabinet meeting on Sunday, Netanyahu stated that his government's opposition to a Palestinian state has not changed, despite growing international pressure.
Netanyahu has long been opposed to Palestinian independence, citing concerns that it would reward Hamas and create an even larger Hamas-run state on the borders of Israel. He has also criticized Western countries for recognizing Palestine as a sovereign state, accusing them of proffering a "prize" to Hamas.
Netanyahu's comments come ahead of a UN Security Council vote on a US-backed Gaza peace plan. The resolution would establish a transitional administration and an international security force in the Gaza Strip, but includes language that could be interpreted as paving the way for a Palestinian state. This has sparked opposition from Netanyahu's government, with some ministers labeling it a "Palestinian terror state".
The draft resolution has faced criticism from Israel's coalition partners, including far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who accused Netanyahu of failing to respond to recent recognition of Palestinian statehood by Western countries.
Netanyahu took a hardline stance on Sunday, stating that he does not need external pressure or affirmations on the issue. He also warned that his government would "stave off any advances towards a Palestinian state for decades", implying that it is a non-negotiable position.
The opposition to a Palestinian state has been echoed by other Israeli ministers, including Defence Minister Israel Katz and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir took the strongest stance, calling the Palestinian identity an "invention".
As part of the ceasefire deal brokered by US President Donald Trump, nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners have been freed, and Israel has returned 330 bodies to Gaza. The first phase of the agreement has seen the release of the last 20 living Israeli hostages.
Netanyahu has long been opposed to Palestinian independence, citing concerns that it would reward Hamas and create an even larger Hamas-run state on the borders of Israel. He has also criticized Western countries for recognizing Palestine as a sovereign state, accusing them of proffering a "prize" to Hamas.
Netanyahu's comments come ahead of a UN Security Council vote on a US-backed Gaza peace plan. The resolution would establish a transitional administration and an international security force in the Gaza Strip, but includes language that could be interpreted as paving the way for a Palestinian state. This has sparked opposition from Netanyahu's government, with some ministers labeling it a "Palestinian terror state".
The draft resolution has faced criticism from Israel's coalition partners, including far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who accused Netanyahu of failing to respond to recent recognition of Palestinian statehood by Western countries.
Netanyahu took a hardline stance on Sunday, stating that he does not need external pressure or affirmations on the issue. He also warned that his government would "stave off any advances towards a Palestinian state for decades", implying that it is a non-negotiable position.
The opposition to a Palestinian state has been echoed by other Israeli ministers, including Defence Minister Israel Katz and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir took the strongest stance, calling the Palestinian identity an "invention".
As part of the ceasefire deal brokered by US President Donald Trump, nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners have been freed, and Israel has returned 330 bodies to Gaza. The first phase of the agreement has seen the release of the last 20 living Israeli hostages.