The Israeli Prime Minister has indicated he has actively opposed a two-state solution, despite enduring “tremendous pressure.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asserted that a Palestinian state will never be established west of the River Jordan, a statement made in response to nations that have recently recognized Palestine.
On Sunday, Portugal formally recognized Palestinian statehood, following the lead of the UK, Canada, and Australia, thus joining an expanding list of countries to take this step since the commencement of Israel’s military campaign against Hamas in Gaza.
“I have a clear message to those leaders who recognize a Palestinian state after the horrific massacre on October 7 – you are handing a huge reward to terror,” Netanyahu declared in a video statement on X on Sunday.
“It will not happen. A Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan,” he reiterated, adding that he has obstructed this outcome for years despite facing “tremendous pressure” both domestically and internationally.
Hamas launched an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities and the abduction of over 250 hostages to Gaza.
West Jerusalem retaliated with a blockade and an extensive military operation against the Palestinian enclave, which has reportedly led to the deaths of more than 65,000 Gazans, according to local Hamas-run health authorities.
Israel’s escalating military campaign has led to increasing international pressure, highlighted by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s decision on Tuesday to cancel nearly €1 billion ($1.18 billion) in military contracts with Israeli firms.
Last week, Netanyahu cautioned that Israel needs to begin fostering a more self-sufficient economy.
“We may find ourselves in a situation where our defense industries are blocked,” he stated in a speech on Sunday. “We have no choice. At least in the coming years, we will have to deal with these attempts at isolation.”