Netanyahu Rejects Palestinian Statehood, Calls It a ‘Reward for Terrorism’

The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once again, shot down the prospect of creating a Palestinian state as a reward for terrorism. He made these comments in an interview with the Hebrew-language outlet Channel 14. Netanyahu stated that the concept of a Palestinian state is no longer possible and was one of the reasons why, following the attack on October 7, any plans regarding a Palestinian state were dismissed.

His comments are coming when there is increasing international and regional pressure to address Palestinian statehood, especially from Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries.

Netanyahu’s Strong Opposition to Palestinian Statehood

Netanyahu condemned the idea of a Palestinian state strongly, suggesting that creating one would be tantamount to rewarding terrorism. He would point to the October 7 massacre, arguing that this disqualified the creation of the Palestinian state: it would be a victory for Hamas and Iran.

“There was a Palestinian state. They called it Gaza. Hamas-led Gaza was a Palestinian state and look what we got – the biggest massacre since the Holocaust. And to establish a Palestinian state after October 7 is a huge reward for terrorism. A huge victory not only for Hamas [but also for] Iran. And a huge defeat for us and our partners,” Netanyahu said in his interview.

The Prime Minister’s stance underscores his growing opposition to Palestinian statehood, particularly after the Gaza Strip fell under Hamas control. Netanyahu has repeatedly emphasized the security risks Israel faces when vacating territories, suggesting that land concessions lead to armed groups taking control, threatening Israel’s safety.

Normalization Deals and the Palestinian Issue

Netanyahu’s rejection of Palestinian statehood also extends to the broader issue of normalization deals with regional powers. Despite ongoing talks over normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia, Netanyahu still rejected the premise that Palestinian statehood must first be in place. In advance, Saudi Arabia had indicated clearly that it wouldn’t normalize ties with Israel before the issue of Palestinian statehood was settled, but Netanyahu confirmed that Israel needed to remain tough and should make decisions on its own and independently of the veto by the Palestinian side.

He argued that Israel must “must be very strong and it must bypass the Palestinian veto to go out into the Arab world,” expressing the need for Israel to prioritize its security over political pressures. Netanyahu’s remarks reflect his long-standing belief that past attempts at land concessions have led to instability, as evidenced by Gaza’s transformation under Hamas.

A “Terrible” Failure: Netanyahu on the Oslo Accords

He also described the Oslo Accords as a “failure,” dismissing partial governance arrangements that allowed the Palestinian Authority (PA) to control parts of Gaza and the West Bank. Netanyahu’s further stated that giving more power to the PA would be detrimental to Israel’s security, citing past failures and the actions of Palestinian leadership.

He attacked Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, calling him by his street name, Abu Mazen. Netanyahu said it was impossible to distinguish between PA and Hamas in terms of policies, challenging whether the Palestinian state could work in Gaza. Netanyahu’s complaint about the recurring Palestinian leadership issues was evident while pointing out to the PA as a failure toward peace.

“And now you have to choose – let’s say you have to choose between Abu Mazen and the PA in Gaza, which is what I kept hearing between the lines, and before the lines and in the headlines: ‘Abu Mazen and the PA will come and bring us a new Gaza.’ Really, well, what are you talking about, after all, they were there and we saw where it led. And we see how they educate their children. So the president of the United States comes and says – I’m willing to bring something else – and even take responsibility for Gaza. What do you prefer Abu Mazen or the U.S. there?” Netanyahu said.

Israel’s Path Forward Amid Regional Tensions

Israel’s Path Forward Amid Regional Tensions Despite the increasing international pressure, Netanyahu is adamant in his stance that Palestinian statehood is incompatible with Israel’s security and stability.As Israel will continue to pass through regional tension and potential normalization agreements with Saudi Arabia and other Arab states, Netanyahu’s Palestinian statehood issue will certainly become a contentious diplomatic issue.Thus, with this unresolved Palestinian issue, the future of peace efforts in the region remains uncertain.