As tensions escalate between Israelis and Palestinians, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his government’s stance against the establishment of a Palestinian state while also addressing ongoing violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
Opposition to Palestinian Statehood
On 16 November 2024, Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s long-standing opposition to the creation of a Palestinian state, despite recent international discussions that hinted at a pathway to Palestinian independence. This statement followed protests from far-right members of his coalition, who were unhappy with a US-backed UN draft resolution endorsing a framework for Palestinian statehood.
- Netanyahu stated, “Our opposition to a Palestinian state in any territory has not changed. Gaza will be demilitarised and Hamas will be disarmed, the easy way or the hard way.”
- Far-right leaders like Itamar Ben-Gvir expressed frustration, threatening to exit the coalition if their demands were not met.
Unrest in the West Bank
In a separate but equally concerning scenario, violence erupted in the occupied West Bank, with reports of Israelis attacking Palestinian villages. On 17 November 2024, Netanyahu announced plans to convene cabinet ministers to address these attacks. The warnings come as international pressure mounts on the Israeli government to take decisive action against settlers targeting Palestinian civilians.
- The UN reported at least 264 attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians in October 2024, the highest since record-keeping began in 2006.
- Defence Minister Israel Katz indicated plans for resources and funding aimed at tackling this surge in violence.
International Response and Consequences
Netanyahu’s statements reflect a complex political landscape, where international pressure increases as violence persists. The cabinet’s urgent response may signal a long-awaited governmental shift towards addressing these volatile issues directly.
Local and international stakeholders are closely watching how these events unfold, particularly in the context of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, which continue to face dire repercussions from recent conflicts.