Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Rejects Calls for Palestinian Sovereignty After Talks with President Biden
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected calls for Palestinian sovereignty following talks with US President Joe Biden on post-war Gaza. Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s need for security control over all territory west of Jordan, stating that it is incompatible with the existence of a Palestinian state. This statement comes amid a rift with the US, Israel’s most important ally, regarding the future of Gaza after the conflict ends.
Netanyahu’s rejection of Palestinian sovereignty exposes the complex position he finds himself in. He faces pressure from the international community to allow the creation of a viable Palestinian state while also needing to guarantee Israel’s security, particularly from far-right members of his coalition. The Israeli prime minister is also facing calls for early elections, with thousands of people taking to the streets of Tel Aviv to express their discontent. Critics accuse Netanyahu of prolonging the war to maintain his grip on power.
Interestingly, Netanyahu’s statement contradicts what he told President Biden in a private phone call. According to CNN, Netanyahu did not rule out the possibility of a Palestinian state during the conversation. Biden administration officials have been discussing the idea of a demilitarized Palestinian state, which the US president finds intriguing. Following the phone call, Biden expressed optimism that Netanyahu could be convinced of some form of a two-state solution.
However, the day after Biden’s remarks, Netanyahu’s office released a statement reiterating his policy that Israel must retain security control over Gaza after Hamas is destroyed. This requirement contradicts the demand for Palestinian sovereignty. Despite intense American efforts to resolve the conflict, Biden and Netanyahu remain publicly at odds over the future of Gaza.
Biden and his top officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, have consistently advocated for the creation of a Palestinian state with guarantees for Israel’s security as the path to peace and stability in the Middle East. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also voiced his support for a two-state solution, calling opposition to it unacceptable.
Netanyahu’s objections to a two-state solution are well-known, but he faces pressure from right-wing members of his cabinet who have made controversial suggestions regarding the people living in Gaza. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir have sparked outrage by advocating for the resettlement of Palestinians outside of the Gaza Strip.
The question of how post-war Gaza will be governed remains open. Netanyahu’s rejection of Palestinian sovereignty highlights the challenges he faces in balancing international pressure and domestic political considerations. As the conflict continues, the world watches to see if a resolution can be reached that satisfies both Israeli security concerns and Palestinian aspirations for statehood.