Netanyahu Refutes Claims of Accepting Palestinian Statehood in Saudi Talks
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Jerusalem, Dec 18 (NationPress) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that he would not allow the formation of a Palestinian state, dismissing reports that Israel had consented to a 'path toward Palestinian statehood' as part of initiatives to normalize ties with Saudi Arabia.
'Prime Minister Netanyahu has acted and continues to act against the establishment of a Palestinian state,' his office stated on Tuesday, labeling the reports as 'entirely false.'
The statement further emphasized that such a decision would 'endanger Israel's security.
Earlier, Israeli media indicated that a concession regarding Palestinian statehood was being contemplated during ongoing discussions for a normalization agreement with Saudi Arabia, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Simultaneously, Saudi officials also categorically denied the report, asserting there has been no breakthrough.
‘The idea that the kingdom's leadership has somehow altered its long-standing commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state is equally unfounded,' stated an unidentified Saudi official to reporters.
'The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will persist in its efforts to conclude the war in Gaza and assist the Palestinian people in realizing their right to an independent state,' the statement added.
Netanyahu, who has consistently viewed formal relations with the kingdom as a crucial strategic goal, dismissed these reports.
Israel took control of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip during the 1967 Middle East war. Palestinians aim to form an independent state in these territories.
Netanyahu's remarks arrive amidst increasing international criticism of Israel's military actions in Gaza, initiated in October.
This offensive has faced global backlash, with Netanyahu and senior Israeli officials confronting allegations of war crimes at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
Instead, Netanyahu has proposed that Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, participate in the governance of Gaza after the conflict. However, these nations, along with others in the region, have consistently stated that they would not engage in the post-war management or reconstruction of Gaza without the involvement of the Palestinian Authority (PA).
The United States and Israel’s security apparatus have cautioned that failing to promote a viable alternative to Hamas governance, like the PA, will enable the terror group to exploit any vacuums temporarily created by IDF operations in Gaza.
