Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has fiercely rejected the recognition of Palestine by the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, declaring that there will be no Palestinian state west of the Jordan River. In a statement issued by his office, Netanyahu accused the countries of rewarding terrorism and vowed to respond after his return from the United States.
“There will be no Palestinian state. The response to the latest attempt to force upon us a terror state in the heart of our land will be given after my return from the United States,” Netanyahu said. He argued that recognizing Palestine after the October 7 massacre amounted to giving terrorism an enormous prize, insisting Israel would continue preventing the creation of such a state. Netanyahu also pointed to Israel’s expansion of settlements in Judea and Samaria, saying the government would pursue this path with determination.
The recognition by the three countries was announced on Sunday, with their governments framing it as a step toward a two-state solution. Australia stated that the move acknowledges the legitimate aspirations of Palestinians for sovereignty while emphasizing that Hamas must be dismantled. Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the decision, warning that it would destabilize the region and undermine prospects for peace rather than promote it.