Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a forceful rejection of recent moves by Western nations to recognize a Palestinian state, declaring unequivocally that “there will be no Palestinian state west of the Jordan River.” His comments came in response to Canada, the UK, and Australia formally recognizing Palestinian statehood, a step he described as “granting a huge reward to terror.”
Netanyahu framed the recognitions —especially after the October 7 attack by Hamas, as not only misguided but actively dangerous, claiming that awarding statehood in this context emboldens groups he labels terrorists. “You are granting a huge reward to terror,” he said.
Alongside the verbal opposition, Netanyahu reaffirmed his government’s policy of settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, referring to Jewish settlement in Judea and Samaria by its Biblical name and said they have doubled such settlements, with plans to continue doing so.
Netanyahu also acknowledged the international and domestic pressure that recognising Palestinian statehood has generated, saying he has resisted it with “determination and political wisdom,” positioning it as part of his long-standing policy. Among his message’s targets are the recent recognitions by Britain, Canada and Australia. He told their leaders that recognising Palestine now, in his view, rewards violence rather than promotes peace.
His announcement comes amid heightened diplomatic friction as a number of Western governments prepare to use United Nations forums, including the upcoming General Assembly, as platforms to strengthen recognition of Palestine. Netanyahu warned that Israel’s response to what he sees as an attempt to “impose a terror state” will follow after his return from his visits abroad, notably from the United States.
