US powerless against Netanyahu’s rejection of Palestinian statehood
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The unflinching supporter of Israel, the US, seems to be bending its knees before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s unwavering determination against the global call for an independent Palestinian state for the region’s permanent security.
Netanyahu has openly opposed the establishment of a Palestinian state in the aftermath of the country's extensive military campaign in Gaza during a nationally broadcast news conference, underscoring growing divisions between the United States and its Middle Eastern ally.
Netanyahu expressed his commitment to continuing the offensive until Israel achieves a "decisive victory over Hamas," rejecting any proposal of a Palestinian state. He conveyed these views to US officials, emphasizing Israel's need for security control over all territory west of the Jordan River, a stance that clashes with the idea of Palestinian sovereignty.
While the United States has refrained from endorsing UN resolutions for a ceasefire, it has urged Israel to ease the intensity of its Gaza operations. Despite Netanyahu's position, US National Security Adviser John Kirby emphasized that there would be no reoccupation of Gaza post-war and reiterated the US commitment to a two-state solution.
US Department of State spokesperson Matthew Miller suggested that Israel now has an opportunity to engage with the idea of a Palestinian state, highlighting regional willingness to provide security assurances. Despite differences in opinion, he emphasized that the US support for Israel remains unwavering.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, concluding his recent Middle East visit, proposed offering Palestinians a path to statehood to stabilize the region and isolate Iran. Blinken outlined two paths for the region: one involving Israel's integration with security assurances, commitments from regional countries, and a Palestinian state, and the other marked by continued terrorism and destruction supported by Iran.
Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, added a regional perspective, stating that "regional peace includes peace for Israel." He asserted Saudi Arabia's potential recognition of Israel as part of a broader political agreement contingent upon peace for the Palestinians and the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Against the backdrop of more than 100 days of conflict in Gaza, where over 24,620 Palestinians have been reported killed, tensions have spilled over to neighbouring regions. Ongoing skirmishes between the Israeli army and Lebanon's Hezbollah pose a threat of escalation, while Houthi rebels in Yemen persist in targeting international shipping, prompting US counterattacks.