Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the decision of the UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal to recognize a Palestinian state. He called the move “rewarding terror” and firmly stated that Israel will not allow a Palestinian state.
Netanyahu said, “There will be no Palestinian state to the west of the Jordan River. We have prevented the creation of that terror state despite domestic and international pressure. We have doubled Jewish settlements in Judea and Samaria and will continue our efforts.” He added that Israel’s response to the recognition would come after his return from the United States.
The four Western nations recognized Palestine, joining more than 140 countries supporting Palestinian independence. The decision aims to promote a two-state solution amid ongoing conflict in Gaza.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the humanitarian crisis in Gaza “man-made” and described Israel’s bombardment and destruction as “utterly intolerable.” Other countries, including France, may also recognize Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly this week.
The conflict began with a Hamas attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has killed over 65,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, destroyed buildings, and caused widespread famine and displacement.
