Netanyahu Firmly Opposed to Palestinian Statehood

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his opposition to the creation of a Palestinian state, responding to pressure from his far-right coalition partners.

Netanyahu's statement comes ahead of a UN Security Council vote on a draft resolution supported by the US that refers to a path towards Palestinian independence. The new draft, unlike previous versions, mentions a possible Palestinian state, drawing criticism from Israel.

Far-right ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich called on Netanyahu to denounce the idea of a Palestinian state, with Ben Gvir even threatening to withdraw from the governing coalition. Netanyahu stated that his opposition to a Palestinian state remains firm.

Defense Minister Israel Katz and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar also expressed their opposition.

The Trump plan for Gaza ended the conflicts between Israel and Hamas, but the issue of Palestinian statehood remains a point of contention.