Netanyahu Firmly Rejects Palestinian State Recognition

(MENAFN) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly declared that a Palestinian state “will never be established west of the Jordan River.”

On Sunday, Portugal officially acknowledged Palestinian statehood, following the steps of the UK, Canada, and Australia.

This move adds the country to a growing roster of nations that have extended recognition since Israel began its military offensive against Hamas in Gaza.

“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,” Netanyahu stated in a video address shared on X.

“It will not happen. A Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan,” he stressed, noting that he has blocked such efforts for years despite “tremendous pressure” domestically and internationally.

The October 7, 2023 assault by Hamas resulted in the deaths of roughly 1,200 individuals and the abduction of over 250 hostages.

Israel retaliated with a blockade alongside a sweeping military campaign against the Gaza Strip, leaving more than 65,000 Palestinians dead, according to the local health ministry administered by Hamas.

The ongoing conflict has intensified external pressure on Israel. Last Tuesday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez halted nearly €1 billion ($1.18 billion) worth of defense contracts with Israeli companies.

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