Palestinian State: It won’t happen – Netanyahu tells Western leaders

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, September 21, declared that there will be no Palestinian state, sending a direct message to the leaders of Britain, Australia, and Canada after they recognised Palestinian statehood.

“I have a clear message for those leaders who recognise a Palestinian state after the horrific massacre on October 7: you are granting a huge reward to terror,” Netanyahu said in a statement. “And I have another message for you: it will not happen. No Palestinian state will be established west of the Jordan River.”

The Israeli leader also vowed to continue expanding Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, reaffirming a policy that has long drawn international criticism. “For years, I have prevented the creation of this terror state despite enormous pressure both domestically and internationally,” he said. “We have done so with determination and political wisdom. Moreover, we have doubled Jewish settlements in Judea and Samaria, and we will continue on this path.”

By invoking “Judea and Samaria,” the Biblical term for the West Bank, Netanyahu underscored his government’s position that the territory is an integral part of Israel. His comments came as recognition of Palestinian statehood by Western governments has intensified global debate over the future of the conflict.

The remarks mark one of Netanyahu’s clearest and most forceful rejections of Palestinian statehood in recent years, while also signalling his determination to strengthen Israel’s hold over disputed land despite rising international pressure.