Tel Aviv: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday vowed to respond firmly to the recent decision by the UK, Australia and Canada to recognise a Palestinian state, CNN reported.
At the weekly cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said Israel would fight what he called “slanderous propaganda” at the United Nations and other global platforms, rejecting moves to create a Palestinian state, which he claimed would “endanger our existence and constitute an absurd prize for terrorism.”
He further stated that the world “will hear from us on this matter in the coming days,” hinting at potential internal deliberations regarding the annexation of parts of the occupied West Bank.
While Netanyahu has yet to disclose his plan publicly, he noted in a video message that Israel’s response would follow his upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump next week, CNN reported. Australia, Canada and the UK, in a coordinated effort, recognised the Palestinian State on Sunday, calling for a two-state solution.
Netanyahu’s warning over Palestinian recognition
“There will be no Palestinian state. The response to the latest attempt to force upon us a terror state in the heart of our land will be given after my return from the United States,” Netanyahu said.
“I have a clear message to those leaders who are recognising a Palestinian state after the horrendous October 7 massacre: You are rewarding terror with an enormous prize. And I have another message for you: It’s not going to happen. There will be no Palestinian state to the west of the Jordan River.”
“For years, I have prevented the creation of that terror state, against tremendous pressure, both domestic and from abroad. We have done this with determination, and with astute statesmanship. Moreover, we have doubled the Jewish settlement in Judea and Samaria, and we will continue on this path.”
Israel Condemns ‘One-Sided’ Move
However, the triad said that Hamas must cease its existence immediately. “Australia formally recognises the independent and sovereign State of Palestine. In doing so, Australia recognises the legitimate and long held aspirations of the people of Palestine to a state of their own,” Australian Prime Minister’s Office stated in a statement.
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned the action by the countries, stating that it would jeopardise the security in the region and is contrary to what it sought to achieve. “Israel categorically rejects the one-sided declaration of the recognition of a Palestinian state made by the United Kingdom and some other countries. This declaration does not promote peace, but on the contrary – further destabilizes the region and undermines the chances of achieving a peaceful solution in the future.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. Called by Hamas leaders “the fruits of the October 7 massacre”, the declaration not only rewards the biggest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust by a terror organization that is calling and acting for the annihilation of Israel, but also solidifies the support Hamas enjoys,” it added.
(With inputs from ANI)
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