Netanyahu claims completely independent Palestinian state poses threat to Israel

(MENAFN) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that granting full independence to a Palestinian state would endanger Israel’s security, warning that militant groups could exploit such sovereignty to launch attacks. His comments came during a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday.

When asked by a reporter if an independent Palestinian state was feasible, Trump responded, “I don’t know,” and deferred the question to Netanyahu.

“I believe Palestinians should have full authority to govern their own lives, but not the power to threaten us,” Netanyahu said, emphasizing that Israel must always retain control over security. “A sovereign power, especially in matters of security, must remain with us.”

He cited Hamas’ rule over Gaza and the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel as evidence that Palestinian control could be weaponized. “People won’t just hand over a state when the last one became a launchpad for terror,” he argued.

Netanyahu expressed openness to peace with Palestinians who are not hostile to Israel’s existence, but maintained that any agreement must ensure Israeli security remains solely in Israeli hands. “Some will say that doesn’t amount to a real state — we don’t care. We’ve said ‘never again,’ and we mean it.”

While both the U.S. and United Nations have long supported a two-state solution, a growing number of Israeli officials and U.S. Republicans now view it as impractical.

In a recent advisory, the U.S. State Department urged nations not to unilaterally recognize Palestinian statehood. Despite this, more than 140 countries — roughly 75% of UN members — had formally recognized Palestine by November 2024, according to Al Jazeera.

Israel resumed military operations in Gaza after a ceasefire ended in March due to stalled negotiations. Netanyahu insists the campaign will continue until all hostages are released and Hamas is dismantled.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen. UN Secretary-General António Guterres recently voiced alarm over conditions in the enclave, where local officials report over 57,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023.

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