Israel opposes ‘unilateral’ imposition of Palestinian state

Reuters, February 18, 2024

Event

Israel on Sunday formalised its opposition to what it called the “unilateral recognition” of Palestinian statehood, and said any such agreement must be reached through direct negotiations.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu brought the “declaratory decision” to a vote in cabinet, which unanimously approved the measure, according to a statement.
Netanyahu said at the start of the weekly meeting that the move comes after

“recent talk in the international community about an attempt to unilaterally impose on Israel a Palestinian state.”

The formal Israeli statement, according to Netanyahu’s office, reflects the fact that:

“Israel rejects outright international dictates regarding a permanent accord with the Palestinians. An accord, should it be reached, will only come through direct negotiations between the sides, without preconditions.”

“Israel will continue to oppose the unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state. Such recognition in the wake of the October 7th massacre will grant a huge, unprecedented reward to terrorism and prevent any future peace accord,”

it said.

Comment

One of the astonishing impacts of the massacre committed by Hamas against Israel on October 7th is the fact that almost every nation on earth is now clambering for there to be a Palestinian State. This means dividing Israel (and Jerusalem) in two and giving those people who want to destroy Israel half of ”the land”. World leaders believe this will solve the issue and the Palestinians would then live happily ever after in their new state next to Israel. Of course this would never happen. The total destruction of Israel is the only outcome they desire – and so war would continue. Israel has rejected any unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state. The division of Israel is recorded in Joel 3.

Bible quote

I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted [divided] my land.

The nations may well announce a division of the land – but in the next verse God says “what has Philistia to do with me?” (Joel 3:2)

 

Weekly World Watch, Andy Walton