Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Sunday that Israel is still against the formation of a Palestinian state, following protests from far-right coalition members about a U. S.-backed statement supporting Palestinian independence. This statement came after the United States and several Muslim-majority nations endorsed a draft U. N. resolution that backed President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, which included a potential path to Palestinian statehood.
The U. N. Security Council began negotiating the draft on November 7. It proposes a “Board of Peace” transitional administration in Gaza to address issues of reconstruction and economic recovery. Trump’s plan includes a clause suggesting that reforms in the Palestinian Authority could lead to a credible path for Palestinian self-determination, which angered Israeli far-right leaders. They had previously opposed the ceasefire brokered by Trump and pressured Netanyahu to reject the idea of a Palestinian state completely.
Netanyahu reaffirmed on Sunday that Israel’s opposition to a Palestinian state has not changed, emphasizing Gaza will be demilitarized and Hamas disarmed. A potential walkout by far-right ministers could risk the stability of Netanyahu’s government, which must hold elections by October 2026. Other Israeli leaders also spoke out against a Palestinian state.
The Gaza conflict, which intensified after a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, has caused significant casualties and destruction, leading to a ceasefire on October 10, although violence has continued sporadically.
With information from Reuters
