Netanyahu opposes Palestinian statehood, stresses security control as “crucial”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel asserted that the concept of establishing a Palestinian state poses a threat to Israel’s security. 

Addressing inquiries from reporters about recent claims that he communicated his opposition to the notion of Palestinian sovereignty to US officials, Netanyahu emphasized the imperative for Israel to maintain security control over the entire area west of the Jordan River in any prospective agreement.

“In any future agreement… Israel needs security control over the entire area west of Jordan. This contradicts the idea of [Palestinian] sovereignty… This conflict is not about the absence of a [Palestinian] state, but it is about the existence of a Jewish state,” Netanyahu stated.

Netanyahu also contended that those within Israel calling for his resignation are essentially advocating for the establishment of a Palestinian state. He underscored the necessity for the Prime Minister of Israel to have the autonomy to reject propositions, stating that the leader should be empowered to “say no to his friends.”