Mogadishu / New York – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has escalated tensions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by declaring that Palestinians “will never have a state,” while accusing Western governments that recognized Palestine of “rewarding terrorism.”
The comments were directed at Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal, which last week formally recognized Palestine as an independent state. The move marks a historic break with their long-standing alignment with Israel.
Netanyahu vowed Israel would “respond” to the recognitions, branding them as dangerous endorsements of terrorism. His remarks come as international pressure mounts at the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York, where more states—including France—are expected to announce their recognition of Palestine in the coming days.
The remarks came on September 22, just as global leaders convened for the UN General Assembly’s high-level debate, running from September 22 to 27.
While the political drama is centered in New York, the humanitarian toll continues in Gaza, where at least 71 Palestinians were reported killed in Israeli military strikes on Sunday.
The decision by the four Western governments places them among more than 140 nations worldwide that already recognize Palestine. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas hailed the move as “a step toward lasting peace in the region.” The United States offered a more cautious response, describing the recognition as “an appealing step,” but refrained from taking similar action.
The recognitions are seen as part of a growing international campaign to increase pressure on Israel and advance the long-stalled two-state solution. For Israel, however, the wave of diplomatic recognition represents a strategic blow, undermining its efforts to block Palestinian sovereignty on the world stage.
Palestine has held UN non-member observer state status since 2012, but full UN membership has been repeatedly blocked by U.S. vetoes at the Security Council. Recognition by traditionally pro-Israel allies is therefore being viewed as a turning point in the global diplomatic landscape.
Netanyahu’s uncompromising statement underscores the widening gulf between Israel and parts of its Western allies. For Palestinians, the recognitions signal new momentum toward international legitimacy and self-determination. For Israel, they reflect a growing diplomatic isolation, with the UN General Assembly this week poised to amplify the debate over the future of a two-state solution.
