Netanyahu says he will not allow establishment of a Palestinian state

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Sunday that Israel remains opposed to the creation of a Palestinian state. He made this remark amid pressure from his allies, even though his statement contradicts the draft UN resolution supporting US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, which hinted at recognizing Palestinian independence.

The dispute erupted after the US and multiple Muslim-majority nations co-sponsored a draft at the 15-member United Nations Security Council backing a transitional “Board of Peace” for Gaza as part of the peace plan proposed by Donald Trump. That draft includes a clause recognising “the goal of the Palestinian people” for economic recovery and post-war reconstruction. 

Netanyahu’s statement came amidst growing pressure from hard-right members of his cabinet, notably ministers Itamar Ben‑Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, who demanded a firm rejection of any Palestinian state. Ben-Gvir reportedly threatened to leave the coalition if the prime minister did not make a clear declaration. 

Netanyahu, in a statement, said, “Our opposition to a Palestinian state in any territory has not changed. Gaza will be demilitarised and Hamas will be disarmed, the easy way or the hard way. I do not need affirmations, tweets or lectures from anyone.” 

Read: Destruction in Gaza continues as Israel destroys over 1,500 buildings after ceasefire

Defense Minister Israel Katz and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar also issued statements rejecting Palestinian statehood, though without referring to Netanyahu’s address. 

Netanyahu, who had previously backed parts of Trump’s ceasefire plan but remained silent on the statehood issue until now, appears to be walking on a tight-rope: satisfying his far right coalition while managing relations with the U.S. and wider international community. A coalition walkout by key ministers could topple his government ahead of the next election, due by October 2026. 

While the draft resolution remains under negotiation, the international momentum behind it stands in contrast to Netanyahu’s stance, leaving open questions about how any long-term settlement can be reached.