Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has officially rejected the notion of a fully independent Palestinian state, asserting that such a development would threaten Israel’s security. During a recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, Netanyahu stated that while the Palestinians should have the autonomy to govern themselves, Israel would retain control over security matters, emphasizing that a sovereign Palestinian state would not be allowed to pose a threat to Israeli safety.
In a discussion at a dinner between the two leaders, Trump was asked by a reporter whether an independent Palestinian state was a viable option. Trump, redirecting the question to Netanyahu, indicated that the answer would come from the Israeli leader. Netanyahu then elaborated on his stance, explaining that Hamas had used its control over Gaza to orchestrate the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. According to him, this attack demonstrated the potential dangers of an independent Palestinian state and underscored the necessity of maintaining Israeli security.
Netanyahu further articulated that Israel would be willing to pursue peace with Palestinian neighbors who do not seek to destroy Israel. However, he made it clear that any peace agreement must ensure that Israel retains full authority over security matters. He reiterated his commitment to ending the conflict, stating that the operation against Hamas would continue until all remaining hostages are freed and the militant groups are dismantled.
The rejection of a two-state solution coincides with a shift in some Israeli politicians and U.S. Republicans, who have increasingly questioned the feasibility of this approach. While the United Nations and the United States have long supported the two-state solution, the U.S. State Department recently issued a warning to international communities against recognizing Palestinian statehood. Nevertheless, over 140 countries have already recognized Palestine as a sovereign state, representing 75% of UN members as of November 2024.
In Gaza, the situation remains dire, with the war having entered its 21st month. Israel resumed its military operations after a two-month ceasefire collapsed in March, with both sides failing to reach further agreement. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has intensified, with the UN Secretary General expressing deep concern over the growing number of casualties and the lack of access to food and other aid. Local authorities in Gaza report that at least 57,523 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began in October 2023. This ongoing violence highlights the complex and delicate nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with significant implications for regional security and international diplomacy.