Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed the recent recognition of a Palestinian state by several Western nations.
He said such moves will not “bind Israel in any way.”
“A Palestinian state will not arise,” Netanyahu’s office posted on X. Earlier, he also said, “There will be no Palestinian state,” calling the recognition an “attempt to force upon us a terror state in the heart of our land.”
Dozens of world leaders gathered at the United Nations on Monday to support Palestinian statehood. The move comes nearly two years into the Gaza war, which has faced resistance from Israel and its ally, the United States.
France and Saudi Arabia led the UN conference.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France has recognised Palestine. He added, “One solution exists to break the cycle of war and destruction: acknowledging each other. We must recognise that Palestinians and Israelis are living in twin solitude,” he said, stressing that “nothing justifies the ongoing war in Gaza.”
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, speaking on behalf of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, echoed the call. Saudi Arabia has recognised Palestine for decades, along with most Arab and Muslim-majority countries.
The UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal formally recognised Palestine on Sunday. Monaco, Luxembourg, and Malta followed on Monday. They joined nearly 150 nations that already recognise Palestine. The US, Germany, and Japan remain among those that do not.
The diplomatic initiative comes as concern grows over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The war between Israel and Hamas has lasted almost two years. Israel is preparing for a new ground offensive in Gaza City, which could continue for several months, while Hamas has refused to surrender.
The push for recognition has highlighted Israel’s increasing isolation. The European Union, Israel’s biggest trading partner, is debating suspending preferential trade benefits. At the same time, Israeli stocks have been the world’s worst performers in dollar terms over the past two weeks as investors anticipate a longer conflict.
Macron said Paris could open a Palestinian embassy after the release of hostages and the end of the war. He also said it was time for countries to stop questioning Israel’s existence.
US President Donald Trump criticised the recognitions, calling them a reward for Hamas. Israel has also strongly opposed the move, saying it strengthens a group designated as a terrorist organisation by the US, UK, EU, and others. US and Israeli representatives boycotted the UN conference.
Macron argued the opposite. He said recognition is a “defeat for Hamas” because the group rejects a two-state solution. Palestinian officials welcomed the UN event as a symbolic step toward statehood in the West Bank and Gaza, home to more than five million people.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the UN via video. He thanked participants and said Hamas should have no role in governing the Palestinian territories. He condemned the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, which killed 1,200 people and took 250 hostages. “What we want is one unified state without weapons,” Abbas said.
Officials in Israel say most of the country now opposes a two-state solution after the Hamas assault. Netanyahu will address the UN General Assembly on Friday. He is also scheduled to meet Trump at the White House next Monday, where he said he will outline Israel’s response to countries that recognised Palestine.
According to the Hamas-run health ministry, about 65,000 people have been killed in Gaza during the war. Last month, a UN-backed monitor declared a famine in parts of the territory following Israel’s blockade of food and aid. Israel says its operations are necessary to force Hamas to surrender and release the remaining hostages. Of the 250 kidnapped, 48 are still held, with 20 believed to be alive.