Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected any form of unilateral Palestinian statehood after a 40-minute call with US President Joe Biden, highlighting growing tensions between the two leaders on critical issues related to the ongoing Gaza conflict and hostage situation.
Netanyahu’s stance, outlined in a Friday statement, directly contradicts reports suggesting the US, along with Arab allies, is exploring a two-state solution as part of a broader regional arrangement. He vehemently opposes international “dictates” on the matter, insisting that any permanent agreement with Palestinians must come through direct negotiations without preconditions.
This firm stance echoes Netanyahu’s long-held position against full Palestinian statehood, favoring instead an autonomous Palestinian government with restricted territory and under Israeli security control. This aligns with the views of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who had urged the Israeli cabinet to publicly reject any unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state.
The call with Biden comes amidst rising tensions over the war in Gaza. The US President reportedly reaffirmed his commitment to securing the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, who have been in captivity for over 132 days. However, disagreements persist on the terms of a potential ceasefire, with Hamas demanding a permanent truce and complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, demands rejected by Israel.
Further complicating the situation, the US has pressured Israel to ensure humanitarian aid reaches Gaza’s civilian population and present a plan to minimize civilian casualties during a planned military operation in Rafah. While the White House acknowledges the urgency of these issues, Netanyahu has yet to publicly address them.