Israel today formalized its objection to what it terms the “unilateral recognition” of a Palestinian state, stating that any agreement on this matter should be reached through direct negotiations.
In a statement, it was noted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conducted a government vote on a clarifying resolution regarding this stance, which was unanimously approved.
Netanyahu, at the beginning of the weekly cabinet meeting, mentioned that this move comes in response to international discussions about imposing a Palestinian state on Israel unilaterally.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza, sparked by Hamas militants’ incursion into Israeli residential areas on October 7, is the latest in a seven-decade-long conflict between Israelis and Palestinians that has destabilized the Middle East.
Efforts to achieve a two-state solution, envisioning a Palestinian state alongside Israel in the West Bank and Gaza, have been stalled since 2014. US President Joe Biden is working towards a broader Middle East agreement that includes the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Netanyahu’s office stated that the official declaration reflects Israel’s rejection of “explicit international dictates regarding a permanent agreement with the Palestinians,” emphasizing that such an arrangement can only be achieved through direct negotiations between the two parties without preconditions.
Israel will continue to oppose unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, considering that such recognition, especially in the aftermath of the events of October 7, would provide an unprecedented and massive reward to terrorism and prevent any future peace agreement.
