JERUSALEM, Israel – As fighting escalates in Gaza and along Israel’s northern border, the U.S. and its Arab partners are working on a blueprint with a firm timeline for establishing a Palestinian state if a ceasefire takes effect. However, that blueprint is a non-starter for Israel.
After a call with President Joe Biden, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the idea of recognizing a Palestinian state. Posting on X, he summed up his opposition in two sentences:
“Israel categorically rejects international dictates regarding a permanent settlement with the Palestinians. Such an arrangement will be reached only through direct negotiations between the parties, without preconditions.”
He added, “Israel will continue to oppose the unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state. Such recognition in the wake of the October 7 massacre would give a huge reward to unprecedented terrorism and prevent any future peace settlement.”
The U.S.-Arab plan would include many steps rejected by Israel in the past, including the evacuation of many communities in biblical Judea and Samaria (the West Bank), a Palestinian capital in eastern Jerusalem, and a combined government for the West Bank and Gaza.
On Friday in southern Israel, a terrorist attack at a bus station left two people dead and four others wounded
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