Israel-Gaza: Netanyahu defies pressure over Palestinian state
Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his stance that Israel should maintain security control over all Palestinian territories, asserting that such a condition contradicts the establishment of a future Palestinian state.
Despite calls from the US and others for a commitment to eventual Palestinian statehood, Netanyahu’s comments on Saturday underscored a divergence between his government and the US regarding the governance of Gaza and the West Bank post the Gaza conflict.
The US advocates for a “two-state solution” for lasting stability but acknowledges differing perspectives between the US and Israeli governments.
Following a call between Netanyahu and President Joe Biden, the US President affirmed the possibility of a two-state solution with Netanyahu in office, citing various models of such solutions among UN member countries without their own militaries.
However, Netanyahu, maintaining a position held throughout his political career, reiterated his stance on Saturday.
A statement released by his office read: “In his conversation with President Biden, Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated his policy that after Hamas is destroyed Israel must retain security control over Gaza to ensure that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel, a requirement that contradicts the demand for Palestinian sovereignty.”
Also on Saturday, in a post on X – formerly Twitter – he said Israel must retain “security control over the entire area west of Jordan”, an area which also encompasses the Israeli-occupied West Bank territory.
The comments will dampen hopes in some circles that the Gaza crisis could result in Israeli and Palestinian leaders restarting diplomatic negotiations and kickstarting the dormant peace process.
Mr Netanyahu’s increasing isolation abroad comes amid growing unpopularity at home and protests over the fate of the estimated 130 hostages still being held inside Gaza by Hamas.
Hamas killed about 1,300 people – mostly civilians – and took 240 hostages in their surprise attack on southern Israel on 7 October.
Thousands of protesters, including relatives of those still missing, gathered in Tel Aviv on Saturday, urging Mr Netanyahu to reach a truce to allow the hostages home.
Gil Dickmann, whose cousin was captured on 7 October, said: “Dear Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, we believe that you can bring them back. We believe in you.
“We know that you can sign this deal and bring about this victory to all the citizens of Israel. Just do it, Bibi. Just do it. Bring the hostages back home.”
Israeli forces have continued to push into southern Gaza in search of top Hamas officials, who Israel believes are hiding in Khan Younis, the strip’s second biggest city.
Locals have reported intense fighting in the area in recent days, including around the hospital. Israel says it raided a military compound and found underground explosives.
Officials from the Hamas-run health ministry said on Saturday that 165 people had been killed in the territory in the past 24 hours, and the number killed overall since the conflict began was nearing 25,000.
