WATCH: Israel Draws a Line
Israel Condemns Global Recognition of Palestinian State, Warns of Retaliation
Israeli leaders strongly oppose UK, Australia and Canada's recognition of Palestinian statehood, with Netanyahu warning of retaliation and rejecting possibility of state west of Jordan.
Israeli political leaders from across the spectrum have fiercely condemned the recent decision by the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada to formally recognize a Palestinian state. Officials from both the government and opposition have called the move a reward for terrorism and a threat to Israel's security.
In a video statement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a clear message to the international community.
"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," he said.
Netanyahu doubled down on his long-standing opposition to a Palestinian state, declaring,
"It will not happen. A Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan." He also boasted that his government had "doubled Jewish settlement in Judea and Samaria, and we will continue on this course."
The prime minister added that Israel’s formal response to the diplomatic actions would be delivered after his return from the United States, where he is scheduled to address the United Nations and meet with President Donald Trump. "Wait," he concluded.
Domestic and International Fallout
While the Israeli opposition echoed the premier's condemnation, its leaders have also blamed Netanyahu for what they call a "diplomatic disaster," arguing that his policies and failure to act have created the current crisis.
The Israeli government is reportedly weighing a number of responses to the diplomatic wave, including the possible annexation of parts of Judea and Samaria and specific punitive measures against countries that have granted recognition. This comes as the U.S. has also warned of potential consequences for nations taking steps that it believes harm Israeli security.
The recent flurry of recognitions is part of a larger, coordinated international effort, with France and Saudi Arabia set to convene a summit of dozens of world leaders at the UN to rally support for a two-state solution. Israel and the United States have announced they will boycott the summit, with Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon calling it a "circus."