Netanyahu Rejects International Recognitions of Palestine: "There Will Be No Palestinian State"

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the increasing wave of international recognitions of the State of Palestine, asserting that these steps "do not obligate Israel in any way".

Netanyahu stated in a brief statement on Wednesday evening: "The disgraceful surrender of some leaders to Palestinian terrorism will not obligate Israel in any case.. There will be no Palestinian state".

His remarks came after 11 countries announced their official recognition of the State of Palestine over the past two days, just before he heads to New York to deliver a speech at the United Nations General Assembly next Friday, where the Palestinian issue, along with the war on Gaza and the conflict with Iran, is expected to top his agenda. Netanyahu also plans to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington next Monday.

Netanyahu had previously emphasized that recognizing Palestine is "a reward for terrorism," pledging to continue preventing the establishment of a Palestinian state and confirming that his government has doubled settlement projects in the West Bank despite international pressure. He added: "We will continue on this path and will not allow the establishment of a state of terrorism".