JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lashed out at Britain, Canada, and Australia after the three nations announced their recognition of a Palestinian state, accusing them of "rewarding terror" in the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas assault.
He reiterated that Israel would never allow the establishment of a Palestinian state west of the Jordan River.
"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 declared.
Directing his message at the governments of the three countries, he said, "I have a clear message to those leaders who are recognising a Palestinian state after the horrendous October 7 massacre: You are rewarding terror with an enormous prize. And I have another message for you: It's not going to happen. There will be no Palestinian state to the west of the Jordan River."
Reaffirming his longstanding opposition to Palestinian statehood, Netanyahu highlighted his commitment to expanding Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank.
"For years, I have prevented the creation of that terror state, against tremendous pressure, both domestic and from abroad. We have done this with determination and with astute statesmanship. Moreover, we have doubled the Jewish settlement in Judea and Samaria, and we will continue on this path, " he said.
The move by Britain, Canada, and Australia to formally recognise Palestine comes as part of a wider international effort to revive momentum for a two-state solution, though the decision has been strongly criticised by both Israel and the United States.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar also condemned the decision, calling it a grave misstep.