Just as more Western countries club together this week to recognize a Palestinian state, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is redoubling efforts to ensure it can never exist. The simplest way to do that is to accelerate the construction of Israeli settlements, which the overwhelming majority of the international community regards as illegal. But some of Netanyahu’s more hardline ministers are also calling for a full annexation of the West Bank, which includes major cities such as Ramallah and Nablus. The prime minister on Sunday had a stark message for Britain, France, Canada and Australia and other Western nations that are joining the vast majority of U.N. countries in recognizing Palestinian statehood. “It will not happen. There will be no Palestinian state west of the Jordan,” he pledged. It is still uncertain how precisely Israel will respond to the latest round of diplomatic pressure. Netanyahu is not showing his hand, but is vowing to punch back.
Published: September 22, 2025 5:00 pm
Source: politico.eu — Read original