“I Swear I Will Not Allow a Palestinian State”: Netanyahu Rejects U.S. Push, Issues Firm Statement
New York/Jerusalem (The Uttam Hindu): As a ceasefire takes effect in Gaza, the United States is preparing to introduce a major proposal in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) regarding the recognition of a Palestinian state. However, before the voting even begins, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that he will not support the creation of a Palestinian state under any circumstances.
Netanyahu has long argued that forming a separate Palestinian state would only strengthen Hamas. He fears it could eventually lead to the rise of a larger Hamas-controlled territory at Israel’s borders.
Mounting International Pressure on Netanyahu
Despite the U.S. moving forward with a ceasefire plan in Gaza, Netanyahu has been facing intense global pressure to soften his position. Still, the Israeli PM remains firm.
On Sunday, Netanyahu said Israel’s opposition to a Palestinian state “has not changed at all” and cannot be altered by internal or external pressure. He stated firmly, “I don’t need anyone’s approval, anyone’s tweet, or anyone’s speech.”
What Is the U.S. Proposal?
The UNSC is expected to vote soon on a U.S. proposal that includes the creation of an “International Stabilization Force” in Gaza. This comes despite resistance from Russia, China, and several Arab nations.
The plan also calls for Gaza to be demilitarized and for Hamas to be disarmed. Netanyahu told his cabinet, “This disarmament will happen—either the easy way or the hard way.”
Hamas Also Rejects the Proposal
Hamas and other Palestinian factions have strongly opposed the U.S. proposal. They claim it aims to impose an international mandate on Gaza that favors Israel and denies Palestinians the right to govern their own affairs.
The groups insisted that Israel must not be part of this proposed international force and said it should operate under direct UN supervision. They also rejected every reference to Gaza’s “demilitarization” in the proposal.