Netanyahu Rejects Recognition of Palestinian State Amid International Moves

Tel Aviv, Sept, 2025 : Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly rejected the prospect of a Palestinian state following recognitions by the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia on Sunday evening.

“There will be no Palestinian state,” Netanyahu said, accusing the three countries of offering a “huge reward for terrorism” following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.

Netanyahu warned that “the response to this attempt to impose a terrorist state in the heart of Israel” would be given after his return from the United States, where he is scheduled to deliver his annual speech to the UN General Assembly.

In a statement, he said: “I have a clear message for those leaders who recognize a Palestinian state after the terrible October 7th Hamas massacre: you are giving a huge reward for terror. I have another message for you: it won’t happen. A Palestinian state will not be created west of the Jordan.”

“For years, I have prevented the establishment of this terrorist state against tremendous pressure from home and abroad. We have done this with determination and with state statesmanship. Moreover, we have allowed the Jewish settlement in Judea and Samaria, and at the same time thwarted the more extremist attempt to force us to enter into the hall of the nations. This will again be given after my return from the U.S. Just wait,” Netanyahu stated.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz slammed the countries’ move, noting, “Most countries that recognize a Palestinian state have done so in the past. That was wrong even then. But those countries and organizations that have decided to join in the recognition are also committing an immoral and hypocritical act. They have handed a huge achievement to Hamas and its backers, all while remembering with eternal disgrace.”

Netanyahu himself said: “If a Palestinian state is established in the many ways, they would constitute a mortal threat to Israel’s existence” and “a threat to the very existence of Israel.”

He announced he would reject “the theft of land,” speaking of “real peace, achieved by direct negotiations without preconditions.” Danon added: “Take propaganda on the international stage.”

He also stated that the UN General Assembly should not bow to pressure from pro-Palestinian states, which he accused of encouraging Hamas with violence.

Netanyahu also indicated that he will meet with US President Donald Trump after his UN address. This will be the fourth meeting between the two leaders since the start of Trump’s second term, “to hand over another head of state,” he said.

“The response to attempts to impose terror states in the heart of our land will be given after my return from the US,” PM Netanyahu said. “There will be no Palestinian state west of the Jordan River,” he told the Jerusalem Post.

Netanyahu has stated that in conversations with senior American officials — including during US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s recent visit — the Trump administration did not restrict Israel’s possible steps in response to the recognition of a Palestinian state.

Israel’s Ambassador at the UN Danny Danon has dismissed the recognition of a Palestinian state by Britain, Canada, and Australia as a “hollow declaration.” “Relinking hope is a declaration that has collapsed many times,” Danon said in an interview with the Post.

“We know their true motives for this move, and they know they will not change anything. Worse still, it is support for Hamas. Every innocent understands it. Those responsible for such declarations must first be remembered with eternal disgrace.”

Danon also argued against the possibility that, following the recognitions, Palestine could become a full UN member state. “This will not happen. No measure that requires the support of the Security Council, and the United States will veto it.”

“Recognition is meaningless without change on the ground — it will only be another virtual victory for Hamas,” Danon said.

Israel is also considering additional responses and measures against countries that recognize a Palestinian state. In addition, countries offering recognition are expected to face difficulties in relations, with possibilities of expelling foreign diplomats and halting joint projects also being examined, Israeli media reported.

On Friday night, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the UK’s official recognition of the Palestinian state on Sunday, minutes after similar moves by Canada and Australia. In a message posted on social media, Starmer stated: “Canada, Australia, and the UK recognize Palestine and making progress toward a negotiated solution.”

Canada and Australia also announced on Sunday they will formally recognize the State of Palestine, joining a growing list of Western nations such as Ireland and Spain. London and Canberra said the recognition is aimed at preserving hope for peace.

In a related move, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum released a formal statement criticizing recognition, calling it an incentive for Hamas terrorism.

Meanwhile, the Israeli army announced that it is continuing its offensive in the Gaza Strip as part of its fight against Hamas and other terrorist organizations. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported it is carrying out a series of airstrikes, including precision strikes targeting terrorists about to carry out attacks against Israeli forces.

Team Maverick.