In a decisive stance against international pressures for a Palestinian state's unilateral establishment, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet has unanimously approved a declaration emphatically rejecting such moves. This declaration comes amidst renewed global discourse, particularly from the United Nations and the Biden administration in the United States, advocating for a two-state solution following the conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
Netanyahu, articulating the government's position, emphasized Israel's refusal to accept external impositions on its peace negotiations with the Palestinians. "Israel outright rejects international dictates regarding the permanent settlement with the Palestinians," he stated, underscoring that any resolution must stem from direct dialogues without preconditions.
This firm declaration aligns with Netanyahu's recent discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, where he conveyed that any form of recognition, direct or indirect, of a Palestinian state post the October 7 massacre would inadvertently reward terrorism, thereby obstructing the path to future peace.
The U.S., under President Joe Biden's leadership, has consistently voiced that the culmination of Israel's military actions against Hamas should pave the way for a two-state resolution, hinting at an American inclination towards recognizing Palestinian statehood.
Israel's history of negotiating peace deals reflects a series of rejections from Palestinian and Arab leaders, starting from the 1947 UN partition plan to the propositions in 2000 and 2008, all aimed at establishing a Palestinian state alongside Israel.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, shared a skeptical view on the feasibility and advisability of a two-state solution. He highlighted the persistent failures of numerous peace efforts, attributing them to profound reasons: the Palestinians' refusal to acknowledge a Jewish state, the high risk of a Palestinian state turning into a terror state, and the significance of the West Bank as biblical Israel, where the absence of Israeli control could lead to the destruction of sacred Jewish and Christian sites.
Netanyahu's resolution is a response to rumored U.S. plans suggesting a "firm timeline" for the creation of a Palestinian state, which he describes as a "prize for terror." This stance reflects Israel's enduring opposition to unilateral recognitions of Palestinian statehood, particularly in the aftermath of the October 7 tragedy, which Netanyahu believes would only serve to glorify terrorism and hinder any prospects for a peaceful resolution.
