Opposition to an independent Palestinian state
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterates his opposition to an independent Palestinian state.
He asserts that Israel requires full security control over the Palestinian territories.
Netanyahu’s stance contrasts with United States President Joe Biden’s position on the matter.
No Compromise on Israel Security:
Netanyahu, on Saturday night, asserts on X platform that he won’t compromise on full Israeli security control west of the Jordan River.
He emphasizes this stance as contradictory to the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Netanyahu reaffirms his opposition to a Palestinian state just one day after a phone call with U.S. President Joe Biden, who has provided unconditional support to Israel in its Gaza Strip operations.
Bidens Call for Possible Solutions:
On Friday, Biden mentions discussing potential solutions with Netanyahu for an independent Palestinian state.
One suggested approach involves a non-militarized government.
The call marks the first conversation between Biden and Netanyahu in nearly a month, according to the White House.
When asked if a two-state solution is impossible while Netanyahu is in office, Biden responds, “No, it’s not.”
Defeating Hamas:
Netanyahu informed Biden that after destroying Hamas, Israel must maintain security control over Gaza.
The goal is to ensure Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel, conflicting with the demand for Palestinian sovereignty, as stated by the Israeli prime minister’s office.
Intensifying the war
Netanyahu faces pressure from his far-right coalition to escalate the war on Gaza, resulting in over 165 deaths in the past 24 hours.
Relentless bombardment since October 7 has claimed the lives of nearly 25,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children.
Netanyahu, aligning with the Biden administration, expresses opposition to a Palestinian state multiple times during the conflict.
The UK describes Netanyahu’s stance against Palestinian sovereignty as “disappointing,” according to Defence Secretary Grant Shapps.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres deems the denial of Palestinian statehood “unacceptable” and emphasizes the right to build their own state.
Peace Talks:
Peace talks for a “two-state solution” between Israel and Palestine, backed by the US, collapsed a decade ago.
On Thursday, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that solving Israel’s security challenges and rebuilding Gaza requires establishing a Palestinian state.
Miller notes that regional countries are ready to provide security assurances, presenting an opportunity for Israel.
‘Complete victory’
Netanyahu emphasizes the need for Israel to fight until achieving “complete victory” against Hamas.
No detailed plan on how to accomplish this has been outlined by Netanyahu.
Former army chief Gadi Eisenkot, a member of Israel’s war cabinet, calls for a ceasefire as the only way to secure captives’ release, implying criticism of the current strategy.
Critics accuse Netanyahu of avoiding a cabinet-level debate on a post-war scenario for Gaza, alleging he aims to prevent conflict within his coalition.
Netanyahu’s office dismisses claims of unnecessarily prolonging the war as “utter nonsense.”
Israel initiated the war on Gaza in response to Hamas’s October 7 attacks, resulting in significant casualties and captives.
Pressure at home is evident as thousands protest in Tel Aviv, calling for new elections, and demonstrators outside Netanyahu’s house join families of captives, expressing concerns about the impact of military activity on their lives.
