Israel has officially declared its opposition to what it perceives as the unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood, insisting that any such recognition must be achieved through direct negotiations.
Prime Minister Netanyahu brought the “declaratory decision” to a vote in the cabinet, which was unanimously approved, as reported earlier in the day.
Netanyahu emphasized during the weekly meeting that this move follows recent discussions in the international community about potential attempts to unilaterally impose a Palestinian state on Israel.
Efforts to establish a two-state solution, with a Palestinian state in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza alongside Israel, have remained stagnant for decades.
According to a statement from Netanyahu’s office, Israel categorically rejects any international mandates regarding a permanent agreement with the Palestinians. It asserts that any agreement must be reached through direct negotiations without preconditions.
The statement further asserts that Israel will continue to oppose the unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state. It warns that such recognition, especially following recent events, would reward terrorism and impede any prospects for future peace agreements.